World Heart Day 2024

29 September is World Heart Day (WHD).

WHD was created to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and make strides to reduce it around the world.

Take 15 seconds to sign the World Heart Day petition to let policymakers know you want them to take action and create bold national cardiovascular health plans to reduce the rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular disease is the world’s biggest killer, but together we can change that.

Use Atlas

Atlas has been updated with the latest information as part of the ESC's ongoing efforts to keep health experts informed and enable decision makers to design effective policies aimed at easing the burden of CVD.

With more than 300 variables pertaining to CVD risk factors, morbidity, mortality and management, ESC Atlas is a rich data source with a unique focus on Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

MEPs call for action

Officials and lawmakers of the European Union have taken note of the importance of keeping cardiovascular health high on the policy-making agenda. Many members of the European Parliament have joined our fight towards the creation of a unified, solid strategy. By comprehensively addressing the issue through an EU-wide Cardiovascular Health plan, we can allocate these resources towards other essential needs. You can hear from some of our allies in this video.

Patient testimonials

Millions of Europeans live with cardiovascular health issues. Here, you can listen to the testimonials of two patients, Mattias and Julie, to learn about their journeys.

Mattias Van Heetvelde was born with a congenital heart defect. 25,000 children are born with heart defects in Europe every year. “Luckily for me, I was born in an age where a combination of medicine and surgery could [help me] manage my disease.”
Listen to his testimony.

Julie Harris joined the ESC’s Patient Forum after having a heart attack. “I think a lot of people are under the impression that this mainly affects middle-aged men who are overweight, but there is a large number of females who have heart attacks and they don’t actually recognise the symptoms.”

Listen to her testimony.

Covered at ESC Congress

Cardiovascular disease also has a significant financial impact, costing Europe about 2% of its GDP on a yearly basis. That amount, about €282 billion in 2021, exceeds the entire budget of the EU itself.

Two related sessions at ESC Congress 2024 delved into ESC Atlas and the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease:

Calls to action

The ESC has partnered with the World Heart Federation and the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) to work towards improving cardiovascular health across the continent and ensuring those who need treatment most will receive it.

But that's not all. Find out about our calls to action, and get involved!