World Heart Day 2025: Why heart health matters
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global killer, responsible for about one in five deaths worldwide. It claims more lives than cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined. On World Heart Day, health organizations emphasize that roughly 54,000 people die from cardiovascular diseases every day, which translates to about 38 people per minute. Yet, up to 80 percent of heart disease and stroke cases are preventable. The main culprits are risk factors that are often controllable: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity, overweight, unhealthy eating, and tobacco use.
As Dr. Luis Moya Jiménez, president of the Liga Colombiana contra el Infarto y la Hipertensión, notes, the global burden persists despite advances. Recent hypertension guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology show that among adults over 50, roughly 70 percent are hypertensive and about one in three are obese. These figures illustrate a trend where risk factors are not decreasing; mortality from cardiovascular disease remains high and has risen in recent years.
On World Heart Day, the call is clear: prevention and responsible management of cardiovascular risk factors can bend the curve. Simple, consistent actions can change the outcome for individuals and communities alike.
Key risk factors you can influence
The most impactful risk factors are modifiable. Hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, overweight, poor nutrition, and tobacco use are common triggers that accelerate cardiovascular damage. Even without symptoms, these conditions elevate risk. Regular awareness and control of these factors is a powerful form of prevention.
Practical steps for a healthier heart
Monitor your numbers
Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and weight. Knowing your numbers gives you a starting point and a clear target. Work with your healthcare provider to set realistic goals and track progress over time. If any reading is outside recommended ranges, seek medical advice promptly to adjust treatment or lifestyle habits.
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Prioritize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit salt, added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. A Mediterranean-style or plant-forward pattern supports long-term heart health and helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol naturally.
Move more, sit less
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, plus two days of strength training. Simple daily changes—taking stairs, walking during breaks, or cycling to work—add up over time and reduce risk factors even for those with prior conditions.
Sleep well and manage stress
Quality sleep and effective stress management protect the heart. Prioritize 7–9 hours of sleep per night when possible, establish regular routines, and practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or yoga to lower resting heart rate and blood pressure.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Smoking cessation significantly reduces cardiovascular risk. If you use tobacco, seek support to quit. Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels, as excessive consumption elevates blood pressure and triglycerides and contributes to weight gain.
Regular screenings and preventive care
Schedule preventive visits even if you feel well. Regular screenings allow early detection and timely management of risk factors. Vaccinations, dental care, and addressing sleep apnea when present also contribute to heart health. Community health programs and policies that promote healthier environments can amplify individual efforts.
What this means for you and your community
World Heart Day is a reminder that controlling cardiovascular risk factors is within reach for most people. By taking responsibility for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and heart rate—and by adopting healthier daily habits—you can alter the trajectory of heart disease for yourself and your loved ones. Small, consistent steps today yield meaningful gains tomorrow.
