World Heart Day aims to combat cardiovascular disease

KUCHING: The World Heart Federation’s ( WHF) World Heart Day today aims to combat the rising number of people with cardiovascular disease ( CVD), the world’s biggest killer, by raising awareness and promoting the importance of living a hearthealthy lifestyle.

This year, WHF is urging people to take action by sharing heart healthy tips and attending iconic illumination events.

CVD is responsible for claiming 17.5 million lives a year, and by 2030 this is expected to rise to 23 million.

Globally, one in 10 people aged 30 to 70 die prematurely from CVD, including heart disease and stroke, but the good news is that at least 80 per cent of these premature deaths could be avoided or postponed.

To mark World Heart Day 2017, illumination events are being held at iconic venues across the world, including KL Tower in Malaysia and Table Mountain in South Africa.

“We cannot underestimate the global importance of good heart health – 31 per cent of all deaths worldwide are from CVD. World Heart Day is our chance to bring people together to tackle the world’s biggest killer and urge more people across the globe to improve their heart health.

“The power to change is in our hands,” said cardiologist and WHF president Professor David Wood.

“Making lifestyle changes such as eating more fruit and vegetables, keeping active and stopping smoking can save millions of lives.”

Members of the public can get involved by sharing their hearthealthy selfies and tips using #WorldHeartDay and attending one of the thousands of events taking place around the world.

They can also see how heartsmart they are using the Heart IQ test at www.worldheartday. org.

W HF has also joined forces with Manulife (John Hancock in the USA) andPhilipstoraiseawareness and encourage individuals, families, communities and governments to take action and help to achieve the goal of a 25 per cent reduction in premature deaths from CVD by 2025.

“Manulife sets out to help people achieve their dreams and aspirations. A healthy life is crucial in being able to reach those goals,” said Manulife Asia interim CEO Phil Witherington.

“We have a substantial part to play in promoting good health and active living around the world, which is why we’ve joined forces with WHF. Over the next three years we’ll be working together to raise awareness about heart health, with the goal of improving the health of our customers, employees and communities.”

Philips business leader Selina Thurer said as a leader in health technology and proud partner of WHF, Philips is celebrating World Heart Day around the theme of “healthy eating for a healthy heart”.

“We believe that wholesome food and drink are the building blocks of a healthy, happy life.

“Day by day we are committed to empowering people to enjoy the longer-term health benefits of homemade food – such as a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese, and developing heart disease,” said Thurer.

For more information about World Heart Day 2017, including access to campaign materials, go to the website.