Held each year on 29^th September, World Heart Day is organised by the World Heart Federation and is supported by UEFA and their official health partner Healthy Stadia. Working together with the European football family, we can make a significant contribution to reducing premature mortality and disability caused by CVD.

The campaign theme for World Heart Day 2018 is: My Heart, Your Heart. Your heart powers your whole body – that’s why it is so important to look after it. But looking after your own heart can be difficult.

This year, the World Heart Federation is asking individuals to make a heart promise – a commitment to changing the way we live to keep our hearts healthy. Because every heartbeat matters.

By working as part of a team with friends, family and work colleagues we can all help one another to make small changes to our lifestyles that can have a big impact on our own heart health but also heart health globally.

Small changes, such as exercising more regularly, eating a balanced diet, drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking can help to prevent CVD from developing in the first place. If we support and encourage one another, we’re far more likely to tackle our bad habits and stay committed to our own heart promise.

Together with UEFA, Healthy Stadia and World Heart Federation, we’re asking individuals to consider:

Being more physically active: to maintain an active lifestyle, adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times per week. Playing football is only one way to achieve this!

Eating a balanced diet: many food and drink products contain high amounts of fat, salt and / or sugar. We should all aim to eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce the amount of junk food, confectionary and sugary drinks we have.

Stopping smoking: Quitting tobacco reduces your risk of developing CVD, but it also reduces the amount of second-hand smoke that people around you inhale. Individuals should seek professional support to help them quit smoking.

Drinking sensibly: When consumed in excess, alcohol can contribute to acute and long-term health problems. However, when consumed in moderation, alcohol can enhance social experiences.

How you can help

Join the cause and share your healthy heart promise by taking a photo performing the < ♥ > gesture and sharing it on social media using the hashtag #WorldHeartDay.

You can keep up to date with World Heart Day on social media by following these accounts:

• Facebook: /worldheartday
• Twitter: @worldheartfed
• Instagram: @worldheartday

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death and disability in the world today: over 17.5 million people die from cardiovascular disease every year.

Any disease of the heart, vascular disease of the brain, or disease of the blood vessels constitutes a cardiovascular disease. The most prevalent cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease (e.g. heart attack) and stroke. Controlling key risk factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use, and blood pressure may reduce your risk of CVD.

There are many risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. These are detailed in the World Heart Day Toolkit. Some people are born with conditions that predispose them to heart disease and stroke, but most people who develop cardiovascular disease do so because of a combination of factors such as a lack of physical activity, poor diet, consuming alcohol to excess and smoking tobacco. The more risk factors you expose yourself to, the higher the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Smoking damages the lining of blood vessels, increases fatty deposits in the arteries, increases blood clotting, adversely affects blood lipid levels, and promotes coronary artery spasm. Nicotine in tobacco products also accelerates heart rate and raises blood pressure.

Diet plays a significant role in protecting or predisposing people to heart disease. Diets high in animal fat, low in fresh fruit and vegetables, and high in alcohol have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Adopting a diet low in fat, salt and sugar has a protective effect in the long term. This means whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

For more information about Cardiovascular Disease visit: http://worldheartday.org/what-is-cvd/