Today is the World Heart Day. World Heart Day was created in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world's leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year.

The World Heart Federation is trying to spread the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled.

World Heart Day used to be celebrated on the last Sunday of September, but as of this year, World Heart Day will always take place on the 29th day of September.

The theme for this year's observance of World Heart Day is "One World, One Home, One heart".

One World

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 29 per cent of all deaths globally each year, making it the world's number one killer. Global leaders have recognised the urgency to prioritise prevention and control of CVD together with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes by holding the first ever United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs in September.

However, it is important that efforts to fight CVD do not rest only with policy makers and global leaders. Individuals throughout the world can also reduce the CVD burden, by learning about the risk factors and taking vital steps to reduce their own and their family's risk. As a hub for family activities, and as a focal point in everyone's life, the household is the perfect place to start taking action to improve heart health.

That is why this year the World Heart Day focuses on homes. By adapting a few household behaviours, people all over the world can have longer and better lives through the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke.

One Home

After two years of focusing on heart health in the workplace, this year the World Heart Federation calls on individuals to reduce their own and their family's risk of heart disease and stroke. WHF asks people to take charge of their home's heart health by taking steps such as choosing healthy food options, increasing physical activity, and saying no to tobacco.

This year, on World Heart Day, WHF and its members challenge you to take charge of your family's heart health and become your home's advocate for heart-healthy living.

Tobacco causes one-fifth of CVD worldwide. The risk of coronary heart disease can be cut by half one year by quitting smoking. By banning tobacco from your home, you can improve your own and your children's heart health. Starting the� day with a piece of fruit or preparing your own lunch at home ensures healthy options are taken to work or school. Families should limit the amount of time spent in front of the TV. Instead, organise outdoor activities such as cycling or hiking trips, or simply playing in the garden. Whenever possible, take bicycle or walk from home to your destination instead of using the car.

One Heart

Every year, 17.1 million lives are claimed by the global burden of cardiovascular disease, with 82 per cent of deaths occurring in low-and middle-income countries. This excessive number of deaths is particularly saddening, since through steps such as eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco, the majority of these deaths could be prevented.

However, not all heart events are preventable. It is therefore important to know what action to take should a heart attack or ischaemic stroke occur in your home. Over 70 per cent of all cardiac and breathing emergencies occur in the home when a family member is present and available to help a victim.

Learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Warning signs of heart attack include:

Chest discomfort, including squeezing or pain in the centre of the chest between the breasts or behind the breastbone.

Discomfort or pain spreading to other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs include: unexplained weakness or fatigue, anxiety or unusual nervousness, indigestion or gas-like pain, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness and collapse.