World Heart Day is meant to inform people about cardiovascular diseases, which are the biggest single cause of death. Observed on the 29th day of September, the day promotes preventative measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In May 2012, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is accountable for nearly half of NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer.  Heart disease and stroke together claim 18.6 million lives each year. 80% of these deaths could be avoided by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.