Today, CVD is responsible for claiming 17.5 million lives a year
By 2030 this is expected to rise to 23 million. Globally, 1 in 10 people aged 30-70 die prematurely from CVD, including heart disease and stroke, but the good news is that at least 80% 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 Table Mountain in South Africa, the Nasdaq screen in Times Square, New York, the Singapore Flyer, the Sky Tower in New Zealand and many others. For the full list of confirmed illuminations, take a look at our Worldwide Activities Map on the World Heart Day website.
Professor David Wood, Cardiologist and President of the World Heart Federation said: “We cannot underestimate the global importance of good heart health – 31% 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. Making lifestyle changes such as eating more fruit and vegetables, keeping active and stopping smoking can save millions of lives.”
To make World Heart Day more powerful than ever, this year we have joined forces with Manulife (John Hancock in the USA) and Philips. With their support, we are raising awareness and encouraging individuals, families, communities and governments to take action and help us to achieve our goal of a 25% reduction in premature deaths from CVD by 2025.
Phil Witherington, Interim CEO, Manulife Asia said: “Manulife sets out to help people achieve their dreams and aspirations. A healthy life is crucial in being able to reach those goals. 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.”
Selina Thurer, Business Leader for Philips said: “A leader in health technology and proud partner of the World Heart Federation, this year 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.”
