World Heart Day 2021
Every year on September 29th we join in celebrating World Heart Day to raise awareness for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Heart Disease, and Stroke.
About World Heart Day
Launched in 2000 by the World Heart Federation (WHF) to take place annually on September 29th, originally the last Sunday of September.
In May 2012, global leaders agreed to commit to reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) by a quarter before 2025. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) makes up nearly 50% of all NCD deaths around the world which makes it the number one cause of death.
HEART DISEASE AND STROKE CLAIM 18.6 MILLION LIVES GLOBALLY WHICH IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH.
World Heart Day ‘21
The big difference between this year’s campaign and previous years is the continued battle against COVID-19.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) continues to be the #1 killer, causing 18.6 MILLION deaths every year. There are many different causes which include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- Obesity
- Air pollution
There are an estimated 520 million living with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), and COVID-19 has been extremely distressing. People with heart conditions have been exposed to greater risks of more severe forms of the virus.
The stress and anxiety caused by COVID-19 have been unbearable for many, leaving them feeling isolated or vulnerable.
USE HEART TO CONNECT
The current global healthcare crisis has highlighted and emphasised the urgent need to develop innovative ways to connect us to heart health.
The main aim of World Heart Day 2021 is to raise awareness by harnessing the power of technology and digital health. USE HEART TO BEAT CVD continues to play a huge role using Telehealth.
USE HEART TO CONNECT is all about knowledge, compassion, and influence to ensure that you, your loved ones, and your social network have the best chance to live healthy-heart lives.
THREE KEY PILLARS
1) EQUITY
This is about bridging the gap where fewer people have access to technology and internet connectivity. Half of the world’s population currently doesn’t have this which increases the risk of heart-related conditions.
Digital health can have an instant impact on redressing the balance for those with less access to CVD prevention, treatment, and control.
2) PREVENTION
Wearable technology and digital applications have played a major part in motivating us to live healthier lives. Many of these give us instant access to health data, diet planning, and help us to stop smoking.
Those of us with an underlying health condition (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity), have been prevented from attending regular check-ups and appointments due to COVID-19. Seek professional advice when you need to and never avoid calling the emergency services if you need it.
3) COMMUNITY
The consequences of COVID-19 for the estimated 520 million people who have been affected are vast. Those considered to be more vulnerable have also been exposed to other dangers because of the advice to seek shelter or isolate.
Consequences of this advice include:
- Miss routine medical appointments and check-ups
- Less interaction with family and friends
- Lack of physical exercise
Nobody should feel isolated or vulnerable and digital networks have the power to connect families, friends, patients, and medical professionals.
Heart conditions and life insurance
Life insurance can provide peace of mind to you and your family if you are at risk or have had a heart condition.
Heart conditions A to Z:
- Angina
- Arrhythmia
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary heart disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- Left bundle branch block
- Stroke
- Tachycardia
- Tetralogy of Fallot
You can find out more about these and some of the most common questions that we get asked about them.
If you need more advice, help, or guidance to get the best cover in place to protect your family then call our friendly experts on 0800 009 6559.
