The World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29th to raise people's awareness of cardiovascular diseases and strokes, being the main cause for the death of 17.3 million persons annually, and this number is on the increase. By 2030, it is projected that 23 million people will die of heart diseases.
However, most of the cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing risk factors. This includes depending on a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking, eating healthy food and doing exercises.
Facts about cardiovascular diseases:
- The cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally, more people die of CVDs than any other disease cause.
- Over three quarters of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries.
- Out of the 16 million deaths under the age of 70 due to non-communicable diseases, 82% are reported in low and middle income countries and 37% are caused by CVDs.
- Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity and alcohol abuse, using population-wide strategies.
- People with cardiovascular diseases or who are at high cardiovascular risk need early detection and regular follow-up.
Internationally approved date: September 29th, 2015
Locally approved date: Dhul Hijjah 16th, 1436H
Theme of the World Heart Day:
Healthy heart choices for everyone, everywhere
Targeted groups:
- 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.
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