World Heart Day is observed every year on 29 September to draw global attention to cardiovascular disease (CVD) – an umbrella term that includes heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other heart and blood vessel conditions. Led by the World Heart Federation, the day reminds governments, health professionals and the public that most heart disease and stroke deaths can be delayed or prevented through healthier lifestyles, early detection and good quality treatment.
History
World Heart Day was first established by the World Heart Federation in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000. Initially, it was held on the last Sunday of September, and later fixed on 29 September to ensure a consistent annual date. The creation of this day reflected growing concern that cardiovascular disease had become the world’s leading cause of death, responsible for around one in three global deaths every year.
Over time, World Heart Day has evolved into a powerful global campaign, with themes focusing on different aspects of heart health – such as controlling risk factors (high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes), promoting healthy environments, improving access to emergency cardiac care and encouraging people to "Know Your Numbers" (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body weight). Governments, hospitals, civil society and communities in more than 100 countries now mark the day with walks, free screenings, media campaigns and public education events.
Why it matters
Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 20 million lives each year. Many of these deaths occur prematurely before the age of 70 and are linked to risk factors we can change: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, stress and air pollution. Heart disease and stroke also cause long-term disability, affecting the ability to work, support families and enjoy daily life.
The tragedy is that a large proportion of these events are preventable. Simple, evidence-based measures such as reducing salt and trans fat in food, stopping tobacco use, limiting sugary drinks, staying physically active, managing stress and regularly checking blood pressure and blood sugar can dramatically reduce risk. For people who already have heart disease or diabetes, taking prescribed medicines regularly and following medical advice further lowers the chance of heart attack or stroke.
World Heart Day emphasizes that protecting heart health is not only an individual responsibility but also a community and policy issue. Safe spaces for walking and exercise, affordable healthy food, smoke-free public areas, clean air and strong primary healthcare systems all contribute to healthier hearts. The day encourages everyone – from policymakers to school teachers and families – to play a part in building a heart-healthy environment.
Key facts
Founding year
- World Heart Day was established by the World Heart Federation in 2000
- with support from WHO
- to combat the growing burden of cardiovascular disease.
Leading cause of death
- cardiovascular disease causes an estimated 20 million deaths worldwide every year
- including heart attacks and strokes.
Major risk factors
- high blood pressure
- smoking
- unhealthy diet (high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats)
- physical inactivity
- obesity and diabetes are the main modifiable risk factors for heart disease.
Young adults at risk
- heart disease and stroke are increasingly affecting people at younger ages
- especially in low- and middle-income countries.
In Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke have become leading causes of illness and death as infections and childhood diseases have declined. Rapid urbanization, changing food habits and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol. Many traditional foods are prepared with excess salt and oil, and tobacco use – including cigarettes, bidis and smokeless tobacco – remains common among both men and women.
Studies show that heart attacks and strokes are increasingly affecting Bangladeshis in their 40s and 50s, sometimes even earlier. This brings a heavy burden on families, as the main earning member can become disabled or die at a relatively young age. Delayed hospital arrival during a heart attack, lack of awareness of symptoms and limited access to emergency cardiac services outside big cities further increase risk.
However, awareness and services are gradually improving. Cardiology departments, coronary care units and catheterization laboratories for angiography and angioplasty have expanded in major cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet. Public hospitals and many private centres now offer ECG, echocardiography, blood tests, blood pressure monitoring and long-term follow-up for heart patients. Guidelines for treating high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol are increasingly used in clinical practice.
On World Heart Day, hospitals, medical colleges and health organizations in Bangladesh often organize rallies, heart health camps, free blood pressure and diabetes screening, seminars and media talk shows. Messages focus on quitting tobacco, cutting down on salt and deep-fried foods, eating more fruits, vegetables and fish, staying physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days, reducing stress and going for regular check-ups after age 30–35, especially if there is a family history of heart disease.
For individuals and families, key steps include knowing and checking your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol; avoiding tobacco in any form; maintaining a healthy body weight; walking briskly or exercising most days of the week; limiting salt, added sugar and trans fat in everyday meals; and seeking urgent medical help if any heart attack or stroke symptoms appear. A heart-healthy lifestyle, started early and continued over the years, is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your loved ones.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the main risk factors for heart disease?
- The main modifiable risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, smoking and all forms of tobacco use, unhealthy diet (high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats), physical inactivity, obesity, high cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes and long-term stress. Reducing these risks through lifestyle changes and, when needed, medications can significantly lower your chance of heart attack and stroke.
- Is heart disease increasing in Bangladesh?
- Yes. Cardiovascular disease is rising sharply in Bangladesh as people move towards more sedentary lifestyles, eat more salt-heavy and fried foods, and continue to use cigarettes, bidis and smokeless tobacco. Many heart attacks and strokes now occur at younger ages, sometimes in people in their 40s or 50s, especially when blood pressure and diabetes remain undiagnosed or poorly controlled.
- How can I protect my heart in daily life?
- You can protect your heart by not smoking or using any tobacco, limiting salt, sugar and deep-fried foods, eating more fruits, vegetables and fish, walking or exercising at least 30 minutes on most days, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing stress and sleeping adequately. It is also important to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol regularly and to follow your doctor’s advice if you have hypertension, diabetes or existing heart disease.