Today is the celebration of World Heart Day 2022. Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day informs people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD.
It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.
World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their hear health and that of others.
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. We and our members believe in a world where heart health for everyone is a fundamental human right and a crucial element of global health justice. (1)
Both governmental and non-governmental organisations celebrate this day from all over the globe. They do this by organising activities like marathons, walks, public talks, fitness sessions, exhibitions and science fairs. Some landmarks, monuments, and famous buildings choose to go red on this day as a show of cardiovascular disease awareness. (3)
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common cause of death globally. An estimated 17 million people die from CVD every year. Coronary heart disease or strokes were the major causes of these deaths. (2) This heightens the importance of celebrating such an important cause.
In 2022, for the very first time, the World Heart Federation’s World Health Summit was held in Geneva, Switzerland – the heart of global health policymaking and diplomacy. This exclusive, invitation-only event, brought together leaders and innovators in the field of cardiovascular health. (1)
The 2022 Summit aimed to produce a series of quality discussions across many strands, focusing on the prevention, treatment and management of cardiovascular disease worldwide – around the universal and timely theme of 'Cardiovascualr Health for Everyone' (1)
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