World Heart Day 2021

What is World Heart Day

World Heart Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) and provide education and resources for those living with CVD.

The goal — reduce mortality and improve quality of life.

Observed every year on September 29th, World Heart Day is the largest, global awareness campaign for heart health.

CVD accounts for almost half of all deaths due to non-communicable disease world wide. It’s the world’s number one killer and a burden shared by all.

The World Heart Federation and their global partners lead the initiative each year. But it’s individuals who keep the conversation going. By learning more and sharing what we learn, each of us can lend our voice to the conversation and do our part in saving lives all over the world.

What is CVD

The Cleveland Clinic defines cardiovascular disease as

“a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels of the body.”

This includes conditions like:

Arrhythmia

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

Heart Failure

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Aortic disease

Congenital heart disease

Pericardial disease

Cerebrovascular disease:

Deep vein thrombosis

It also includes heart attack and stroke. Two of the most serious complications of cardiovascular disease.

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According to the World Heart Federation,

“HEART DISEASE AND STROKE, IS THE WORLD’S LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH CLAIMING 18.6 MILLION LIVES EACH YEAR”

This year’s mission

“Harnessing the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention and management of CVD globally is our goal for World Heart Day 2021.”

Today more than ever before, technology is a leading factor in health outcomes. Virtual visits with medical providers, health and fitness apps, symptom trackers, medication reminders, all are available and accessible digitally.

As more organizations like the World Heart Federation embrace this resource, the divide in access to healthcare shrinks. Of course, there’s still a lot of work to do. And we all have a part to play.

What can you do

Get on social media and start sharing!

The World Heart Federation has plenty of resources that allow you to add your voice to the global conversation. You can share posts, videos, even create your own posters to share!

Raising awareness does more than spark conversation, it sparks funding and access to care for so many that are without. The more we talk openly about health-related issues, the more resources are available for everyone.

Stay on top of your health!

Keep track of your health with one of the many apps or technologies available.

Fitness apps are an incredible resource for tracking your health and activity. Paired with Achievement, you can monitor your activity data, receive opportunities to participate in medical research, and access important information and resources to help you manage your health where you are.