World Heart Day: 29 September 2013

World Heart Day: 29 September 2013

World Heart Day was created in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.3 million lives each year and the numbers are rising.

By 2030, it is expected that 23 million people will die from Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs) annually – that is more than the population of Australia!

World Heart Day takes place on 29 September each year:

Together with its members, the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled.

National activities such as public talks and screenings, walks and runs, concerts or sporting events are organized worldwide by members and partners of the World Heart Federation.

World Heart Day 2013 theme

This year’s theme addresses the importance of a life-course approach to the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with a focus on women and children. This campaign will highlight what actions can be taken through a person’s life to reduce their risk of CVD. Today we have an opportunity to prevent the future impact of heart disease and stroke by adopting heart-healthy living from childhood throughout adulthood.