World Heart Day, observed on September 29 each year, provides a platform for global conversation and action on cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Heart Federation, more than 20.5 million lives are lost annually to CVD. Up to 80 % of premature CVD deaths are preventable with early screening, access to care, and opportunities for healthier lifestyle choices.1
The 2025 campaign calls on stakeholders, from individuals to governments to ensure that no heartbeat is overlooked. The official slogan, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” emphasizes the need for vigilance, continuity in care, and equitable access to treatment.
CVDs encompass heart disease, stroke, and other circulatory conditions. Globally, cardiovascular conditions claim more lives than any other disease category.
Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate share of the burden. Many deaths occur because of delayed diagnosis, lack of access to affordable treatments, and limited preventive infrastructure.
Reflecting on the topic of World Heart day, Dr. Anil Dhall, a consultant and interventional cardiologist active on social media, posted on LinkedIn urging attention to heart health, regular checkups, and awareness of risk factors. His message aligns with broader global efforts to reinforce cardiovascular prevention and to be cautious individually.
Physicians like Dr. Dhall contribute by bridging clinical knowledge and public awareness.
The “Don’t Miss a Beat” drive has several strategic priorities:
Advance access to diagnosis and treatment for hypertension, high cholesterol, and other modifiable risk factors.
Promote sustained care, to prevent lapses in follow-up or medication adherence.
Strengthen equity, ensuring underserved populations, especially in rural or resource-limited settings are not left behind.
Mobilize global action, including petitioning governments to prioritize and fund CVD prevention efforts.
By raising the ability of health systems to detect and treat cardiovascular risks, the campaign aims to reduce the gap in cardiovascular outcomes between richer and poorer regions.
For individuals, the campaign underlines a core message: do not skip your heart health. Important practices include:
Periodic screening of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
Adopting healthier diets, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco
Recognizing warning signs such as chest discomfort, unexplained breathlessness, palpitations, or swelling
Maintaining consistency in follow-up and treatment adherence
The World Heart Federation notes that just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily could help address up to 80 % of CVD cases yet one in three adults fails to meet minimum activity levels.
Despite high-level commitment, implementing these objectives faces several obstacles:
Some populations remain unaware of their risk status due to asymptomatic early phases
Health infrastructure and human resources are unevenly distributed
Long-term behavioral change is difficult: patients may discontinue medication or follow-up
Policymakers must weigh resource allocation amid competing public health priorities
World Heart Day 2025, with its “Don’t Miss a Beat” messaging, underscores a dual imperative: personal vigilance and systemic readiness. The central aim is simple yet vital, no heartbeat should be overlooked. As Dr. Dhall’s social media engagement shows, clinicians have a role to play in echoing these messages to patients, peers, and the public. With sustained action, health systems and individuals together can help reduce preventable cardiovascular deaths and ensure that heart care is continuous, not incidental.
(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)