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Prof Kathryn Backholer

Prof Kathryn Backholer

Co-Chair

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Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity Co-Chair View team

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worldheartfederation

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Jul 2

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🌡️ Extreme heat can become dangerous faster than you think ️

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition caused when the body is overheating, often after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Knowing the warning signs of Heatstroke can help you act quickly and protect those around you.

⚠️Symptoms:

➖ Nausea
➖ Dizziness
➖ Faiting
➖ Rapid, shallow breathing
➖ Confusion
➖ Loss of cosciousness
➖ Hot and or dry skin

Stay alert, stay safe, and share this post to help spread awareness.

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worldheartfederation

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Jun 30

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At our #WHA79 panel on women and heart health, we explored how caregiving impacts women’s health and well-being, highlighting both the physical and mental health challenges caregivers face.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!

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worldheartfederation

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Jun 22

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For many people, living with congenital heart disease doesn’t stop after childhood surgery. It often continues into adulthood, with ongoing monitoring, further procedures, and/or lifelong medication still part of their care journey.

The #WorldHeartReport 2026 highlights this lifelong reality and the need for stronger support for everyone living with CHD ❤️

Explore the report at the link in our bio.

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worldheartfederation

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Jun 17

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1 in 3 deaths among women are caused by cardiovascular disease. Yet women are still too often misdiagnosed, with heart disease symptoms overlooked or mistaken for anxiety.

At our #WHA79 side-events in May, we explored the critical link between women and heart health. Dr Taskeen Khan explained that the tendency to attribute women’s physical complaints to mental illness has its roots in the history of ‘hysteria’.

Watch the whole session at the link in our bio.

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worldheartfederation

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Jun 10

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Born with congenital heart disease (CHD), Grace survived multiple surgeries, a three-month coma, and a lifetime of challenges. Today, she uses her voice to support others living with CHD.

Our #WorldHeartReport 2026 highlights the urgent need for lifelong care, greater awareness, and equitable access to treatment for the millions of people living with congenital heart disease worldwide.

Access it at the link in our bio.

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worldheartfederation

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Jun 5

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We only have one planet to call home, just as we only have one heart to carry us through life.

Every choice we make leaves a mark on our health and the Earth, so let's try to treat both more gently: what we consume, what we waste, how we show up in the world. It doesn't have to be perfect! Just more conscious and more caring.

Happy #WorldEnvironmentDay ❤️

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worldheartfederation

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Jun 3

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How do we accurately measure blood pressure, and how can effective hypertension treatment reach millions of people who need it?

In our latest podcast episode, Prof Alta Schutte and Prof Dorairaj Prabhakaran explore one of the most important challenges in cardiovascular health today.

🎧 Listen to the new episode at the link in our bio!

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worldheartfederation

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May 31

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⚠️ Kids are the next target of the nicotine industry.

With appealing flavors, sleek designs, and misleading health claims, newer products, including e-cigarettes, are engineered to attract and retain them. In fact, @WHO estimates that 40 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco or nicotine products globally.

Today on #WorldNoTobaccoDay, we call for stronger regulation, honest public education, and better access to quitting support to protect young people from lifelong addiction and heart disease.

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worldheartfederation

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May 29

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Last week at #WHA79, we called for urgent action to put heart health higher on political agendas.

Too many people still cannot access the care they need for cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death worldwide ‼️) and other noncommunicable diseases.

Countries must strengthen local healthcare systems, ensure essential health services continue during emergencies and crises, and make care affordable and accessible for everyone.

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worldheartfederation

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May 26

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Stroke is the world’s second leading cause of death, and it has just been addressed in a dedicated @WHO Resolution for the first time!

Adopted at #WHA79, the Resolution aims to improve stroke care worldwide, from prevention and emergency response to rehabilitation. A major win for global health, but now comes the work of turning it into action 👏

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worldheartfederation

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May 21

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‼️ Our #WorldHeartReport 2026 revealed that over 90% of children in lower- and middle-income countries lack access to timely treatment for congenital heart disease.

Even when treatment is available, many families simply cannot afford life-saving surgery. In high-income regions, death rates in poorer areas are up to 8 TIMES higher than wealthier areas.

Life-saving heart care should be a RIGHT, not a privilege. Explore the report at the link in our bio and help us advocate for #HeartHealthForAll.

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worldheartfederation

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May 20

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Hello, #WHA79! 👋

This week, we’re at the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of @who where Member States meet each year to set global health priorities, negotiate policies, and guide WHO’s work.

Organizations like ours play an important role by bringing scientific evidence to inform discussions and ensure heart health remains at the top of the political agenda ‼️

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