New Delhi (NVI): Around 17.9 million deaths are caused every year due to Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVD), one of the leading causes of death in the world today, according to a report by the World Health Organization.
Every year, September 29 is observed as World Heart Day to increase awareness about the heart related cardiovascular disease.
The day was conceptuated by the World Heart Federation on September 29, 2000. On this day, people are informed about the importance of having a healthy heart and highlight the actions required to prevent and control cardiovascular diseases.
World Heart Federation sponsors this annual event assembling and distributing information and declaring a theme for the day each year.
According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases are accountable for nearly half of all non-communicable diseases which makes it the leading cause of loss of lives every year.
There are several causes for CVD like smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, air pollution, and rare and neglected conditions such as Chagas Disease and cardiac amyloidosis.
World Heart Day 2020 is being observed with a theme focuses on taking care of one’s heart during the pandemic.
During the current pandemic, people with cardiovascular diseases should take extra care of themselves to stay healthy as they are more vulnerable to severe forms of coronavirus.
Moreover, the day also aims at educating people to lead a healthy lifestyle by avoiding consumption of tobacco products, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. If these precautions are taken, at least 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.
World Heart Day 2020 is a global campaign in which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others.
However, the World Heart Federation tries to unite people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD. It is a step towards inspiring and driving international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.
-RJV
