World Heart Day - September 29, 2024

What is World Heart Day?

Our heart is the most vital organ in our body, which helps us enjoy the beautiful things and people in life. But many of us don't take care of our hearts often, so World Heart Federation (WHF) took it upon its hands to make us aware of our heart's health. World Heart Day is an annual event that takes place on September 29. The day's main goal is to spread awareness about heart diseases and associated health issues that can affect anyone of any age.

World Heart Day All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: September 29
• Category: Health
• Where It’s Marked: Globally
• Why It’s Marked: The day promotes preventive measures and lifestyle choices people can make to avoid strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases.

History Of World Heart Day

World heart day, now observed every September 29, is a relatively new event that aims to increase awareness of cardiovascular diseases, their prevention, and their impact on people’s lives.

Every year, the leading cause of death, killing 17.1 million people globally, is heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. Unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, cholesterol, and high blood pressure are the significant causes of heart disease. Hence, world heart day spreads information on heart-related problems and prevention to remind people that they can prevent it with care.

Antoni Bayés de Luna, president of WHF from 1997 to 1999, first had the concept of world heart day. Later, the World Heart Federation(WHF) and the World Health Organization(WHO) established the annual event, World Heart Day, in 1999.

The first world heart day was celebrated on September 24, 2000, but it was no fixed date for the event. Until 2011, the organizations celebrated the annual event on the last Sunday of September, which later changed to September 29. And, this date stuck with the event.

Cardiovascular diseases(CVDs) have been a rising cause of many untimely deaths in middle-income and low-income countries. About 80% of CVD deaths occur in these countries due to lack of exercise, unhealthy diets, and smoking, but even with inefficient healthcare programs, high healthcare costs, and inaccessible healthcare centers, anyone can prevent heart disease if they maintain a healthy daily routine.

World heart day is a proven effective method to shed light on heart diseases and their preventive measures—efforts of the WHF and the WHO made the participation of over 90 countries possible.

How to Celebrate World Heart Day

Since the establishment of world heart day, the WHF has continued to sponsor the annual event. They present a different theme each year and assemble and distribute information through various educational programs to engage people in healthy heart awareness.

They even spread the information through podcasts, public talks, posters, and leaflets. You will notice different fun-raising activities like runs, walks, concerts, sporting events, and free health check-ups through other institutions working with the cause. Various international cardiovascular research organizations and medical institutions participate in scientific meetings and gatherings to further improve the event.

Countries that observe World Heart Day

World Heart Day has reached almost every corner of the world and is a globally celebrated annual event.

Interesting Facts about World Heart Day

Here are some interesting facts to motivate you for World Heart Day so you can remain healthy and happy.

• Your heart beats on average 115,200 times a day.
• The heart pumps blood to 75 trillion cells of the body.
• There is no blood supply in the cornea of the eye.
• Your heart rate drops whenever you sleep.
• Depression can increase the risk of heart attacks.
• A heart can even beat outside the body if supplied with oxygen because it has its electrical impulse.
• The heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood each day.
• The first open heart surgery took place in 1893.
• Octopuses have three hearts.
• A whale’s heart weighs about 680kg(1,500 pounds).
• Excess amount of sodium puts kids at risk of heart disease.

Unique World Heart Day celebration ideas

Aside from the official activities organized by WHF on world heart day, there are many other ways you can take a step toward a healthy heart and a happy life.

1. Get a heart check-up

Find your nearest clinic on world heart day and get your check-up done for free. It’s an easy way to keep track of your heart’s health.

2. Quit unhealthy habits and diet

Smoking and drinking increase the risk of heart disease and decrease your longevity. Make a resolution to quit your bad habits and incorporate a healthy, balanced diet. Go to a nutritionist to get a proper diet plan that includes vegetables, fruits, proteins, and necessary nutrients.

3. Engage in physical exercises

It's never too late to start exercising. Opt for light jogs or runs if you cannot do heavy exercises. It will help your body be in shape, and you will get cardio, increasing your stamina.

4. Motivate your close ones to take care of their heart

Motivation is all a person needs to start taking care of oneself. Sign up your family for CPR classes and yoga or gym sessions. On this world heart day, motivate your friends and family to start being healthy so you can stay with each other for longer.

World Heart Day Quotes

Motivational or inspiring quotes can often help others focus on their health. Our quotes will let your family and friends know you care about them, and hopefully, it will encourage them to work for a better life.

“The beat of your life goes on only if you have a healthy heart.”

"A controlled carbohydrate lifestyle really prevents risk factors for heart disease." — Robert Atkins

“On World Heart Day, say no to all the things that can cause damage to your heart.”

FAQ

1. What is the theme for World Heart Day 2022?

The theme for World Heart Day 2022 is “Use Heart for Every Heart” to raise awareness about heart diseases.

2. Why is World Heart Day important?

World heart day is essential to reduce the global mortality rate from non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.

3. In how many countries is World Heart Day present?

World heart day is present in over 165 countries and is the top health day marked on the global calendar.