World Heart Federation launches 2026 Don’t Miss a Beat campaign to highlight hidden symptoms of heart disease
Launched to coincide with World Heart Day 2026, Don’t Miss a Beat urges people to see the signs, protect their hearts and demand action against world’s number one killer
GENEVA, 27 July 2026: The World Heart Federation (WHF) today launches its World Heart Day 2026 campaign, shining a light on the symptoms of heart disease that can go unnoticed, until it’s too late. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims over 20 million lives every year – but many of these deaths are preventable.
Still, too many symptoms are being missed, dismissed or ignored. Now in its second year, the global Don’t Miss a Beat campaign is urging people to act now: calling on them this World Heart Day to see the signs, protect their hearts and demand action.
See the signs
CVD can hide in plain sight. Warning signs often go unnoticed, and many other symptoms stay silent.
To help people see the signs, WHF is launching the Are You Heart Smart? Quiz. The quiz covers everything from common myths, hidden symptoms, and risk factors people may not recognise. It can be taken on the World Heart Day website or app – and WHF is encouraging participants to share their results on social media using #DontMissABeat and @worldheartfederation.
Protect your heart
80% of CVD deaths are caused by risk factors that can be prevented or managed. Even small changes such as moving more or eating healthier can make a big difference in improving heart health.
That’s why, following its success during last year’s campaign, the Keep the Beat challenge is back! Keep the Beat encourages people to pledge to become more active throughout September. Last year’s Keep the Beat challenge saw people pledge to undertake exercise ranging from walking to yoga to rock climbing. Participants can make their pledges for this year on the World Heart Day website or via the brand-new app and are encouraged to share progress on social media.
Demand action
CVD is the world’s most urgent health crisis but is often overlooked by leaders. Without national CVD action plans and universal access to treatment, the number of CVD deaths will keep rising. Through a global open letter, Don’t Miss a Beat will call on leaders to act by implementing heart health plans in every nation.
Heart Health Champions
To further commemorate World Heart Day 2026, WHF is launching Heart Health Champions. A new initiative, Heart Health Champions is designed to recognise and celebrate the individuals and companies globally who are using social media platforms to help the organisation spread the message of better heart health, far and wide.
World Heart Day takes place annually on the 29th of September, supported by its global member organisations, partners and stakeholders. World Heart Day 2026 will be supported by WHF’s global sponsors: Amgen, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim and Standard Foods China.
“World Heart Day is a celebration. It’s the biggest public platform for heart health anywhere,” said Borjana Pervan, CEO of World Heart Federation. “Uniting organizations under one voice is what the World Heart Federation was created to do, and World Heart Day brings that network together to connect with billions of people.”
“Last year, Don’t Miss a Beat reached audiences in 140 countries and, this year, we aim to take our message even further. Most cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths are preventable, but prevention starts with recognising the signs. No one is better placed than our global members – including cardiologists, advocacy groups and patient organisations – to raise awareness and share our message worldwide.”
Find out more about this year’s event at worldheartday.org or by downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation (WHF) is an umbrella organisation representing the global cardiovascular community, uniting over 200 scientific, medical, patient, and civil society organisations. Together with its Members, WHF influences policies, shares knowledge and inspires behaviour change to achieve heart health for everyone. For more information, visit www.worldheart.org
Media contacts:
Virginie Gill, Global Campaign Manager, World Heart Federation
virginie.gill@worldheart.org | +41 22 512 0094
Nicolas Wackers, Senior Analyst, Hawthorn Advisors
n.wackers@hawthornadvisors.com | +44 7576 156 935