One World

Cardiovascular disease causes 29 per cent of all deaths globally each year, making it the world’s number one killer.

Global leaders have recognized the urgency to prioritize the prevention and control of CVD together with the other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes; by holding the first ever United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September.

However, it is important that efforts to fight CVD do not rest only with policy makers and global leaders. Individuals throughout the world can also reduce the CVD burden, by learning about the risk factors and taking vital steps to reduce their own and their family’s risk.

As a hub for family activities, and as a focal point in everyone’s life, the household is the perfect place to start taking action to improve heart health. That is why this year, for World Heart Day, the World Heart Federation and its members are focusing their efforts on the home.  By adapting a few household behaviours, people all over the world can have longer and better lives through the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke.