World Heart Day
Next: September 29, 2027
Look after the one you've got.
The story
Where it comes from
World Heart Day was created by the World Heart Federation and first held in 2000, on the last Sunday of September; since 2011 it has been fixed on 29 September. It exists because cardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of death, and most of it is preventable.
How it's celebrated
Landmarks are lit red, from Sydney's Opera House to Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers; free blood-pressure checks, fun runs and healthy-cooking events are held; people are asked to make one promise to their heart, such as walking more or quitting smoking.
Did you know
- Cardiovascular disease causes around 20 million deaths a year, more than any other cause.
- A human heart beats roughly 100,000 times a day and about three billion times in a lifetime.
- Around 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable through diet, exercise and not smoking.
Coming up next
- International Translation Day · September 30, 2027
- World Maritime Day · September 30, 2027
- National Day of the People's Republic of China · October 1, 2027
- International Coffee Day · October 1, 2027
- International Day of Older Persons · October 1, 2027
- World Smile Day · October 1, 2027