Various events mark World Heart Day in many countries, including free heart screenings, walks, marathons, media campaigns, and educational programs designed to spread awareness. Health professionals also use this day to advocate for policy changes that foster heart-healthy environments.

World Heart Day was established by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in 1999, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The inaugural celebration took place on September 24, 2000.

The day addresses the increasing cases of heart disease and stroke—conditions often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. Initially celebrated on the last Sunday of September, the WHF fixed the date to September 29, 2011, to enhance global visibility.

The impact of World Heart Day is far-reaching. It unites communities, healthcare providers, and governments in combating cardiovascular diseases. The day serves as a platform for education about the risks of neglecting heart health particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates are rising.

World Heart Day is crucial for reducing the burden of heart disease by promoting preventive practices, encouraging regular health check-ups, and advocating for healthy lifestyles. CVDs account for approximately 18.6 million deaths annually, making awareness campaigns essential for educating the public about risk factors and management strategies. The Day underscores that cardiovascular diseases can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. It advocates for equitable access to heart care, especially in underserved areas with limited resources.

From 29th September 2024 to 2026, the campaign will focus on the theme “Use Heart for Action,” urging individuals to prioritize their heart health while encouraging leaders to take cardiovascular health seriously.

This theme aims to create a global platform for meaningful action, shifting the focus from awareness to empowerment with clear goals. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week to maintain heart health. This can include activities like walking, biking, or dancing. One can also try moderate weightlifting to build muscle endurance and tone muscles; try light activities like stretching, volleyball, light walking, or easy gardening; if inactive, gradually increase activity level.

If exercise puts too much strain on the heart, one might experience chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
However, inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Being physically active is a major step towards good heart health. It’s an effective tool for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping weight under control, and warding off artery damage from high cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Different types of exercise provide complete fitness. Aerobic exercise improves circulation to lower blood pressure and heart rate. It helps cardiac output and also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis, and jumping rope can help in this way.

There is a greater recognition that patients with both in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests may be prevented. Here, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can help survive cardiac arrest. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breathing to help restore a person’s heartbeat and breathing. Chest compressions keep blood flowing to vital organs until the heart starts beating again. Rescue breathing provides oxygen to the lungs. Continue with CPR until emergency services arrive, or the person regains consciousness.

60 percent of people who have cardiac arrest outside of a hospital don’t get help right away. If they receive CPR right after cardiac arrest, chances of survival can double or even triple. It is a fairly simple technique that any enthusiast can learn.