Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov

407-858-1418

Orlando, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Orange County celebrates World Heart Day on September 29, 2022, to bring awareness of cardiovascular disease and prevention. This year’s theme is “Use Heart for Every Heart.”

Heart disease and stroke is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, according to the World Heart Federation.¹ In Florida, approximately two out of ten deaths are from heart disease.²

Stroke and heart disease, along with other cardiovascular disease, are among the most widespread and costly health problems facing the United States today. Risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.

With cardiovascular health, many factors that cause an early death can be controlled through lifestyle changes.Each day, strive to protect your heart and the hearts of those you love.

Healthier lifestyle changes including:

• Visits with your doctor to talk about your heart health.
• Eating healthy by cooking heart healthy meals.
• Walks with your family and encouraging your friends to walk with you.
• Steps to quit smoking by utilizing Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way Program.

Taking these actions can contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

Visit www.worldheartday.org to find out what you can do to take part in this year’s World Heart Day, as well as www.floridahealth.gov/stroke and www.flhealth.gov/heart to learn more about stroke and heart attack resources.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Data Sources:

1. World Heart Federation. Heart disease and Stroke. Retrieved from https://world-heart-federation.org/
2. Florida Department of Health. Heart Disease. Retrieved from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/heart-disease/index.html