World Heart Day was created in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year.

Together with its members, the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled.

World Heart Day will take place on 29 September each year.

National activities such as public talks and screenings, walks and runs, concerts or sporting events  are organized worldwide by members and partners of the World Heart Federation.

In 2010, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of World Heart Day the World Heart Federation launched the ‘State of the Heart’ CVD Report.

With the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) taking place in September, World Heart Day presents a great opportunity to communicate messages about the meeting outcomes, and the importance of elevating NCDs up the global health agenda. 

After two years of focusing on heart health in the workplace, this year we call on individuals to reduce their own and their family’s risk of heart disease and stroke. We ask people to take charge of their home’s heart health by taking steps such as choosing healthy food options, increasing physical activity, and saying no to tobacco.

As always, our emphasis will be on improving heart health across all nations.

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