September 29th promises to be the largest intervention against cardiovascular disease worldwide. On the date that celebrates the World Heart Day 2014, the focus is to create heart-healthy environments. For this, people should make healthy choices where they live, work, and play. These choices reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and promote a healthy planet for all. There are several ways to get involved, how to plan activities to celebrate the date and disseminate good practices of healthy living.
Cardiovascular disease is caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and includes coronary heart disease (heart attack), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), high blood pressure (hypertension), peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure. The major causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and harmful use of alcohol.
The World Heart Federation reports that at least 80% of premature cardiovascular disease deaths could be prevented if four major risk factors – smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol – were controlled.
Scientific and technical literature
BIREME / PAHO / WHO recommends access to documents and sources of scientific and technical information on the Virtual Health Library related to World Heart Day 2014.
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