World Heart Day 2023, Date, Theme, History and Significance

Introduction

Every year on September 29th, people around the world come together to observe World Heart Day. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about heart disease and promote preventive measures to combat cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and this day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of heart health. In 2023, the theme “Use Heart, Know Heart” emphasizes the use of emojis to convey the significance of the day and the importance of heart knowledge.

The 2023 Theme: “Use Heart, Know Heart”

Use Heart: Spreading Awareness with Emojis

The theme for World Heart Day in 2023, “Use Heart,” encourages the use of the heart emoji as a symbol to promote the theme and significance of the day. Emojis are a universal form of communication that transcends language barriers, making them a powerful tool for conveying important messages. The heart emoji serves as a visual representation of love, care, and attention to heart health.

Know Heart: Empowering Individuals with Knowledge

“Know Heart” underscores the importance of knowledge about heart health. Many people lack essential information about cardiovascular well-being. By raising awareness and educating individuals about their hearts, this theme empowers people to take control of their well-being. When people know more about their hearts, they can make informed decisions and take proactive steps to maintain heart health.

The Significance of World Heart Day

Fighting the Global Heart Disease Epidemic

Cardiovascular disease is a global health crisis, claiming more than 20.5 million lives annually. Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure are responsible for a significant portion of these deaths. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for around 31% of all global deaths. Heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease are among the most common culprits.

Historical Background

The Birth of World Heart Day

The concept of a global World Heart Day was introduced by Antoni Baie de Luna, former President of the World Heart Federation. With collaboration from the World Health Organization, World Heart Day was officially established in 1999. The first official celebration took place on September 24, 2000. For over a decade, World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday of September.

Global Commitment to Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality

In 2012, global leaders recognized the urgency of reducing mortality due to non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. They set a goal to reduce these deaths by 25% by 2025. To achieve this mission, World Heart Day was moved to its current date of September 29th. Over 90 countries now participate in organizing awareness campaigns and events to educate people about cardiovascular health.

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