World Heart Day 2025: A call to prevent heart disease starts at home
World Heart Day, marked this year under the theme Don’t Miss a Beat, reminds us that the fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD) begins long before a patient walks into a clinic. In the South-East Asia Region, CVD remains the leading cause of death, with eight people dying every minute from heart-related conditions. The message is clear: small, everyday choices—balanced meals, routine checkups, and active living—can dramatically bend the curve against heart disease.
Health professionals stress that prevention must extend beyond hospitals into homes and communities. Dr Catharina Boehme of WHO South-East Asia notes that the SEAHEARTS resolution, adopted two years ago, is a regional commitment to scale up prevention and care for CVDs. The plan aims to put 100 million people with hypertension and/or diabetes on protocol-based management by 2025 and to push forward tobacco control, salt reduction, and the elimination of trans fats from the food chain.
“Today, we also mark two years since our Region adopted the resolution ‘SEAHEARTS: Accelerating Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Diseases in the South-East Asia Region’,” Dr Boehme said. “Major risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diets high in salt and fats, and physical inactivity.”
Experts emphasize that living with hypertension or diabetes is not just a medical issue but a daily risk that can be mitigated with steady routines and mindful eating. As Dr Kalia explains, “Rising blood pressure in the third trimester can sometimes trigger seizures or even maternal death if left unmanaged. What is equally concerning is that nearly 30% of women continue to suffer from hypertension even after delivery, exposing them to long-term cardiovascular risks. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is not just a temporary complication; but it can silently shape a woman’s heart health for years. This makes proper monitoring during and after pregnancy absolutely critical.”
These insights underline a broader truth: prevention is deeply personal. The goal of World Heart Day is to translate regional commitments into household habits—where meals are balanced, activity is regular, and medical follow-up is consistent.
Why pregnancy matters: heart health for women
Pregnancy brings a unique set of cardiovascular challenges. Blood pressure naturally changes during the third trimester, but sustained elevations can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby. After delivery, the risk does not vanish; in many cases, hypertension persists, necessitating ongoing care and evaluation. Informed, proactive monitoring before, during, and after pregnancy can shape long-term heart health and reduce the likelihood of future cardiovascular events.
SEA region context: the push to act now
The World Health Organization highlights that cardiovascular diseases account for a substantial portion of premature deaths in the region, with age-standardized death rates driven by modifiable risk factors. The SEAHEARTS initiative targets health systems—urging salt reduction, better dietary fats, tobacco control, and improved management of high blood pressure and diabetes. The plan’s ambitious targets reflect a growing recognition that cracking the heart disease burden requires coordinated policy and stronger primary care, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Practical steps families can take today
Balanced meals at home
Healthy eating is a cornerstone of heart protection. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins; limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats. Reducing salt, cooking with heart-healthy fats like olive oil, and choosing fiber-rich options supports blood pressure and cholesterol targets. Planning meals for the week helps families maintain consistency even on busy days.
Regular checkups and monitoring
Regular blood pressure and lipid screenings, along with diabetes checks when indicated, enable early intervention. For expectant and new mothers, prenatal and postnatal visits should include cardiovascular risk assessment as part of comprehensive care. Family members should keep track of medications, adherence, and any concerning symptoms, and discuss them with a healthcare provider promptly.
Community tools and support
Public health campaigns and community resources—such as AED access in public spaces—play a critical role in saving lives. The SEA region’s broader public health push includes initiatives like distributing Automated External Defibrillators at key transport hubs and public venues, as part of a broader strategy to reduce sudden cardiac events. Local health centers can connect families with lifestyle programs, nutrition guidance, and smoking cessation support to sustain heart-healthy habits.
Conclusion: Start at home, scale up to save lives
World Heart Day reminds us that the strongest shield against heart disease is built at home—through balanced meals, steadfast checkups, and a culture that values heart health. By weaving prevention into daily life, and leveraging regional commitments like SEAHEARTS, families can reduce risk, improve outcomes, and ensure more people live longer, heart-healthy lives.
