Heart Foundation of Jamaica observes World Heart Week

Every year, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, in conjunction with the World Heart Federation (WHF), joins the global community in recognising World Heart Day on September 29. This year, the Heart Foundation will host a weeklong series of activities, from today to October 4, under the theme ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’.

According to the WHF, one in five people will die early from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which claims more lives than cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined. Yet, up to 80 per cent of heart disease and stroke cases are preventable.

That’s why, on September 29 each year, World Heart Day is celebrated to raise awareness of CVD and the importance of taking care of the heart.

The aim is to drive action and awareness around the fact that, by controlling key risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity, up to 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be prevented.

CVD remains the top cause of death worldwide. In Jamaica, lifestyle-related risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and high blood pressure continue to drive the burden of heart disease and stroke. By engaging Jamaicans through World Heart Week, the Heart Foundation aims to inspire healthier living and empower individuals to “know their numbers” for better heart health.

To raise global awareness, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, along with heart foundations across the world, will be lighting, in red, a historic/iconic landmark.

“We will be lighting the Usain Bolt statue at the National Stadium in recognition of the impact of heart disease,” the foundation said.

Today. the Heart Foundation of Jamaica will be offering free blood pressure tests at its 28 Beechwood Avenue location in St Andrew.

Persons can also visit the Heart Foundation any weekday and get screened for heart disease.