“Don’t Miss a Beat” is the theme of the current campaign, which is underway 25 years after the World Heart Federation (WHF), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), designated September 29 for this commemoration.

According to experts, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide.

Unfortunately, most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Factors such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, stress, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol contribute to these rising numbers.

Heart attacks and strokes claim more than 17 million lives each year, and the number is estimated to rise to 23 million by 2030.

However, up to 80 percent of heart disease and stroke are preventable through affordable access to health care, early detection, and increased opportunities to make healthy nutrition choices and stay active.

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