World Heart Day 2021: Its history, theme and significance
Several estimates suggest cardiovascular disease or CVD causes the maximum number of deaths (around 18.6 million annually) around the world. The onset of Covid-19 virus has made things more difficult for cardiac patients making millions live with CVD susceptible to the virus. Awareness about cardiac conditions, early intervention and lifestyle measures for prevention are the pre-requisites for a healthy heart. The World Heart Federation commemorates September 29 as the World Heart Day every year to develop mass awareness about cardiac health. It also emphasizes on the prevention and worldwide impact of heart diseases. The theme for this year’s World Heart Day is ‘Use Heart to Connect’.
History of World Heart Day
The World Health Organization (WHO) joined hands with World Heart Federation (WHF) in 1999 to celebrate the World Health Day on 7th April every year. The idea of making it a yearly celebration was first envisioned by the then president of WHF Antoni Bayes de Luna. Following this, it was also decided to commemorate World Heart Day on the last Sunday of each September, starting with 24th September 2000. However, later, 29th September was finalized as the World Heart Day.
Significance of the day
The intention behind initiating the celebration of World Heart Day is to make people aware of the impact of an unhealthy heart. The day also emphasizes on the fact that each individual can take constructive measures to prevent and control heart diseases and strokes. WHF’s main objective is to educate people on the dangers of - using tobacco and alcohol, resorting to unhealthy diet and living a sedentary life. Small but significant lifestyle measures can go a long way in reduce the risk of cardiac issues significantly.
Theme
As already mentioned, the theme of World Heart Day for 2021 is ‘Use Heart to Connect., The aim is to discover unique ways to make people, especially in areas with insufficient medical resources and infrastructure, aware of their cardiac health. The WHF aims at encouraging people to know their heart well, be compassionate and persuade others to take care of themselves, their families and the society they live in. This will increase the possibility of living “heart healthy lives.” to a great extent. World Heart Day 2021 is about creating a connection with one’s own heart, pledging to keep it running smoothly by taking care of it sufficiently and also using powerful digital resources “every heart, everywhere.”