A total of 36 million deaths occurred during 2008; 30% of them were due to cardiovascular diseases, according to a latest report released by the World Health Organization (WHO). There is no doubt that treatment of cardiovascular diseases has become a financial burden on health systems, so preventive measures have become the best way to reduce such burden and high costs of the diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death globally: more people die annually from the diseases than from any other causes.
Official date:
Globally: September 29th, 2016
Locally: Dhul-Hijjah 28th, 1437H
Theme of World Heart Day 2016:
Power your Life
Targeted Group:
- People suffering from cardiovascular diseases
- People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and cholesterol
- The public
- Health decision makers
- Health workers
Objectives and general messages:
- Enhancing people's heart health by reducing the risk factors associated with behaviors and lifestyles such as smoking, lack of activity and malnutrition.
- Focusing on children and women with cardiovascular diseases, by conducting early examinations and providing them with necessary treatment.
- Providing health information to the community, by such means as awareness brochures on the risk factors triggering heart diseases and strokes.
- Developing health policies that contribute to reduction of heart problems such as banning tobacco-use.
- Promoting healthy dietary habits, such as providing awareness information on the harms of overweight and unhealthy food, as well as adding whole grain meals, and natural fruits and vegetables to the menu.
- Raising people's awareness of the importance of exercises, for at least 30 minutes a day, which may reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Providing appropriate and equipped places for exercises.