World Heart Day 2020

Every year on 29th September, World Heart Day takes place. It was created by the World Heart Foundation to inform people around the globe that cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death, with 17.9 million deaths each year. 

World Heart Day was created to allow the CVD community to unite in the fight against CVD to reduce the global disease burden, and to help educate people that by making some lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking, having a healthy diet and taking part in physical activity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.

The theme for this year’s campaign is to ‘Use Heart to beat CVD’ – for your loved ones, society and you. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation unites people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world. 

Part of this global campaign is to also help encourage individuals, families and communities around the world to take part in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. 

Covid-19 has posed a serious threat to CVD patients, they are more at risk of developing severe forms of the virus, but due to the contagious nature of Covid-19, they may be afraid to seek ongoing care for their heart.

This year’s campaign focuses on a number of things and you can help make a difference by using the following:

Your head

• To be knowledgeable about what it takes to live a heart healthy life and to act upon it to ensure that you have a better quality of life for now and in the future. 

Your influence

• You can set an example for your loved ones to make positive changes for their heart health.

Your compassion

• To help support the most vulnerable in society; those with underlying heart-related conditions that may put them at greater risk in the time of Covid-19.