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Cardiovascular disease |
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Cardiovascular diseases
World Heart Day 2009
In partnership with WHO, the World Heart Federation organizes World Heart Day every year. This year's theme is workplace wellness.
Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.1 million lives a year. Tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Read more about the theme for 2009
Read the fact sheet on cardiovascular diseases
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Key messages to protect heart health
- Heart attacks and strokes are major–but preventable–killers worldwide.
- Over 80% of cardiovascular disease deaths take place in low-and middle-income countries and occur almost equally in men and women. Cardiovascular risk of women is particularly high after menopause.
- Tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Cessation of tobacco use reduces the chance of a heart attack or stroke.
- Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day of the week will help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and limiting your salt intake to less than one teaspoon a day, also helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- High blood pressure has no symptoms, but can cause a sudden stroke or heart attack. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
- Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. If you have diabetes control your blood pressure and blood sugar to minimize your risk.
- Being overweight increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To maintain an ideal body weight, take regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet.
- Heart attacks and strokes can strike suddenly and can be fatal if assistance is not sought immediately.
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