DayEvery year, on September 29th, the world unites to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their prevention, and their global impact. This annual observance, known as World Heart Day, was established in 1999 by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The brainchild of Antoni Bayés de Luna, then-president of WHF, this day serves as a powerful platform to educate and engage communities worldwide in the fight against heart-related ailments.

The Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally, claiming an alarming 17 million lives annually in the early 2000s. The majority of these deaths stem from coronary heart disease and stroke, conditions that transcend geographical boundaries and economic divides. Contrary to popular belief, over 80% of CVD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to efficient healthcare is often limited.

Modifiable Risk Factors: The Key to Prevention

The primary causes of CVDs – poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and tobacco use – are modifiable risk factors. This means that even in resource-constrained settings, the majority of these diseases can be prevented through targeted interventions and lifestyle modifications. By addressing these modifiable factors, individuals and communities can take proactive steps to safeguard their cardiovascular health.

Economic Impact: A Costly Burden

CVDs not only take a toll on human lives but also have far-reaching economic consequences. The high costs associated with treatment, disability, and absenteeism from work place a significant burden on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. Tackling CVDs, therefore, is not merely a health imperative but also a crucial economic priority.

The Origins of World Heart Day

The concept of World Heart Day was born out of a desire to raise global awareness and catalyze action against the growing threat of CVDs. In the year 2000, the inaugural World Heart Day was celebrated on September 24th, marking the beginning of an annual tradition that would soon transcend borders and unite nations in a common cause.

Themes and Focal Points

Each year, World Heart Day adopts a specific theme to guide its awareness campaigns and educational initiatives. These themes have ranged from "Physical Activity" in the inaugural year to "Women and Heart Disease" in 2003, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in the context of CVDs. The 2008 theme, "Know Your Risk!" aimed to empower individuals to identify and mitigate their personal risk factors.

Engaging the Public: A Multifaceted Approach

World Heart Day employs a multifaceted approach to engage the public and disseminate vital information. Public talks, podcasts, posters, and leaflets are utilized to educate communities about CVDs and preventive measures. Additionally, runs, walks, concerts, fundraising events, and free health checks are organized to promote active lifestyles and overall health awareness.

Fostering Global Collaboration

World Heart Day serves as a catalyst for global collaboration, bringing together cardiovascular research organizations, medical societies, and healthcare professionals from around the world. Scientific meetings and gatherings are held in conjunction with the observance, fostering knowledge exchange and advancing the collective understanding of CVDs.

Reaching the Most Vulnerable

One of the key strengths of World Heart Day lies in its ability to reach the most vulnerable populations. With over 90 countries participating annually, the observance ensures that critical information and resources are disseminated to developing nations, where the burden of CVDs is often the highest.

Regional Initiatives: Tailored Approaches

To address the unique challenges and needs of different regions, targeted initiatives have been developed. For instance, the WHO South-East Asia Region, home to a quarter of the world's population, has adopted the 'Implementation Roadmap for accelerating the prevention and control of NCD in South-East Asia 2022–2030.' This roadmap includes the SEAHEARTS (WHO HEARTS package adaptation to South-East Asia Region) initiative, which integrates measures to reduce risk factors with improvements in hypertension and diabetes management in primary healthcare.

Tobacco Control: A Pivotal Battleground

Recognizing the significant impact of tobacco use on cardiovascular health, countries in the region have implemented measures outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have taken steps to eliminate trans-fatty acids from their national food supplies, potentially benefiting over 1.7 billion people.

Scaling Up Primary Healthcare

Several countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Timor-Leste, have set ambitious national targets to enhance hypertension and diabetes management in primary healthcare by 2025. India's goal of reaching 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes under standard care by 2025 is the largest NCD coverage initiative for primary healthcare worldwide.

A Call to Action: Four Key Areas

To accelerate the control of CVDs, the WHO South-East Asia Region has issued a call to action in four key areas:

  1. Prioritize CVDs: Countries must place CVDs high on their agenda and expand efforts through commitment and leadership at both policy and programmatic levels.

  2. Implement Tobacco Control Measures: Continued implementation of evidence-based tobacco control laws, in line with the WHO FCTC and its MPOWER package, is crucial across all countries.

  3. Promote Healthy Diets: Promoting healthy diets, with a specific focus on salt reduction and eliminating trans-fatty acids, through the implementation of WHO SHAKE and WHO REPLACE technical packages, is essential.

  4. Scale Up Primary Healthcare: Programs and service delivery models that improve the detection, diagnosis, and management of hypertension and diabetes in primary healthcare, with referral mechanisms, need to be scaled up. The goal should be the full implementation of the WHO HEARTS technical package, along with a seamless care continuum for CVD patients, emphasizing the reduction of complications and proper management of acute emergencies.

Leveraging Digital Solutions

To demonstrate impact and achieve better coverage and control rates, countries are encouraged to leverage digital solutions. These technological advancements can streamline data collection, monitoring, and patient management, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of CVD prevention and control efforts.

A Collective Responsibility

As the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target deadline approaches, World Heart Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to address CVD risk factors and improve disease outcomes. By empowering individuals, communities, and nations to take action, we can contribute towards the broader goals of reducing the global burden of non-communicable diseases and achieving universal health coverage.

On this World Heart Day, let us embrace the call to action and commit ourselves to a future where heart health is prioritized, and cardiovascular diseases are no longer a leading cause of premature mortality. Together, we can empower hearts and embrace life, one beat at a time.