World Heart Day, held on September 29 every year to increase public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, including their prevention and their global impact.
The idea for this annual event was conceived by Antoni Bayés de Luna, president of WHF from 1997–99. In 1999 the World Heart Federation (WHF), in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), announced the establishment of World Heart Day.
Till 2011, the day was observed on the last Sunday of September. However, with world leaders committing to reduce global mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25 percent come 2025 in 2012, the day has come to be observed on 29 September every year.
Cardiovascular disease is the world's number one killer. According to the World Heart Federation, conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels such as heart attacks, stroke and heart failure kill more than 20.5 million people every year. World Heart Day creates awareness about the importance of keeping a healthy heart via various global activities.
Theme
The theme for the World Heart Day 2023 is "Use Heart, Know Heart."
2018
My Heart, Your Heart
2019
For my heart, for your heart, for all our hearts
2020
Use heart to beat cardiovascular disease
2021
Use heart to connect
2022
Use Heart for Every Heart
About World Heart Federation
World Heart Federation is a non-governmental organisation and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was formed in 1972 as the International Society of Cardiology. In 1978, it merged with the International Cardiology Federation to form the International Society and Federation of Cardiology. This body changed its name to World Heart Federation in 1998. It is the principal representative body for the global cardiovascular community and represents more than 200 heart foundations, scientific societies, civil society and patient organizations from over 100 countries.