Borjana Pervan
CEO, World Heart Federation
Causing about 20 million deaths a year or around one in three deaths globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s leading cause of death.1
However, there’s hope, knowing that around 80% of CVD deaths are caused by preventable and manageable risk factors2 — with the right tools and access to care. So, can we properly tackle CVD? Its signs and symptoms are often overlooked, ignored or misunderstood. By raising awareness, encouraging healthier lifestyles and calling on governments to prioritise heart health, we can meet the challenge. On 29 September, World Heart Day unites everyone through the ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ campaign.
Know the CVD signs, make a change
CVD often hides in plain sight. Consider this: in many parts of the world, women’s CVD symptoms are missed or misdiagnosed; treatable and manageable high blood pressure is a leading risk for cardiovascular disease; and congenital heart disease is a common birth defect, yet many cases are missed at birth.
There should be no assumptions when it comes to cardiovascular disease:
men, women, old or young can be affected
Even small adjustments in nutrition, physical activity, adequate rest and stress management can help our hearts work better. Just 30 minutes of daily exercise could help tackle many CVD cases. Yet, on average, one in three adults are not moving enough.3
The Keep the Beat challenge encourages us all to make simple, daily changes to routines throughout September and beyond — and to motivate others with stories of progress.
Make a national plan
There should be no assumptions when it comes to cardiovascular disease: men, women, old or young can be affected; acknowledging this is key to creating access to affordable care for everyone.
Despite CVD being the world’s number one cause of death, fewer than 20 countries have a national plan to tackle the disease. Don’t Miss a Beat is about stepping up action for heart health from policies to care systems and the everyday actions that make for thriving communities everywhere.
[1] World Health Organization, 2025. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). tinyurl.com/ywekzdcu.
[2] World Heart Federation. tinyurl.com/2z8jksjh.
[3] World Health Organization. Physical activity. tinyurl.com/ax3yv28v.
