One World, one home, one heart : the theme for World Heart Day

Abstract

World Heart Day was created in 2000 to inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.3 million lives each year. In Malta, ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death accounting for 21% of all deaths. In 2010, there were 319 male deaths and 328 female deaths, a decrease of 47 male deaths and an increase of 19 female deaths over the previous year. In partnership with WHO, the World Heart Federation organizes awareness events in more than 100 countries. These events vary from one country to another and include free health checks, organized walks, runs and fitness sessions, public talks, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts, carnivals and sports tournaments. The World Heart Day takes place on 29 September each year. This year the theme is One World, One Home, One Heart focusing on women and children.