Friday 29 September 2017

Press Release from the World Heart Federation:

Created and led by the World Heart Federation (WHF), World Heart Day aims to combat the rising of people with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s biggest killer, by raising awareness and promoting the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

This year, on 29 September, WHF is urging people to take action by sharing heart healthy tips and attending iconic illumination events. We can all ‘share the power’ and inspire our families, friends and communities around the world to make the small lifestyle changes that can make a powerful difference to heart health.

Today, CVD is responsible for claiming 17.5 million lives a year, and by 2030 this is expected to rise to 23 million. Globally, 1 in 10 people aged 30-70 die prematurely from CVD, including heart disease and stroke, but the good news is that at least 80% of these premature deaths could be avoided or postponed.

To mark World Heart Day 2017, illumination events are being held at iconic venues across the world, including Table Mountain in South Africa, the Nasdaq screen in Times Square, New York, the Singapore Flyer, the Sky Tower in New Zealand and many others. For the full list of confirmed illuminations, take a look at our Worldwide Activities Map on the World Heart Day website.

Professor David Wood, Cardiologist and President of the World Heart Federation said: “We cannot underestimate the global importance of good heart health – 31% of all deaths worldwide are from CVD. World Heart Day is our chance to bring people together to tackle the world’s biggest killer and urge more people across the globe to improve their heart health. The power to change is in our hands. Making lifestyle changes such as eating more fruit and vegetables, keeping active and stopping smoking can save millions of lives.”

Interested in learning more about international CVD interventions? Register for our upcoming breakfast seminar.