History of the World Heart Federation. The WHF traces its origins to the 1978 merger of the ISC and the ICF, later adopting the name ‘World Heart Federation’ during the World Congress of Cardiology in Rio de Janeiro, 1998. Today, the WHF collaborates with more than 220 members from across the globe.
| YEAR | MILESTONE |
|---|---|
| 1946 | The International Society of Cardiology (ISC) is founded as a professional scientific organization with seven national cardiology societies. |
| 1970 | The International Cardiology Federation (ICF) is established, uniting heart foundations to support international research, professional and public education, and community programs. |
| 1978 | The ISC and ICF merge to form the International Society and Federation of Cardiology (ISFC), creating a unified global voice for cardiology. |
| 1990s | The ISFC works in partnership with the WHO and UNESCO on heart disease and rheumatic fever prevention initiatives. |
| 1998 | At the World Congress of Cardiology in Rio de Janeiro, the ISFC Board renames the organization the ‘World Heart Federation.’ |
| 1999 | Under President Antonio Bayés de Luna, MD, the WHF conceives a global awareness day to bring CVD into the public conversation. |
| 2000 | The first World Heart Day is celebrated on 24 September in partnership with the WHO under the slogan ‘Let It Beat,’ highlighting the benefits of physical activity. |
| 2001 | The WHF launches its first formal mission statement, focused on the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke in low- and middle-income countries. |
| 2011 | World Heart Day is permanently fixed to be on 29 September each year. |
| 2022 | The WHF launches the World Heart Observatory, a global portal of CVD data and knowledge. |
| Today | The WHF works with more than 220 member organizations across the globe—the cornerstone of cardiovascular health advocacy. |
Celebrating the first World Heart Day Campaign. Launched on 24 September 2000 under the slogan ‘Let it Beat,’ the first World Heart Day was celebrated in partnership with the WHO to encourage international action and awareness of CVD. Pictured left to right: Tak-Fu-Tse, Marianne Burle de Figueiredo, John Chalmers, Antonio Bayés de Luna (WHF President, 1997–1999), Darwin R. Labarthe, and Leslie Busk.
World Heart Day 2025 Campaign ‘Don’t Miss a Beat.’ Uniting voices worldwide to champion prevention, timely action, and equitable heart care for all.
World Heart Day. The day has symbolized a global commitment to cardiovascular education and collective action, empowering people from all walks of life to value, protect, and prioritize heart health.
Twenty-Six Themes, One Heartbeat.
| YEAR | WORLD HEART DAY THEME |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Let It Beat — Physical Activity |
| 2001 | A Heart for Life |
| 2002 | What Shape Are You In? |
| 2003 | Women, Heart Disease and Stroke |
| 2004 | Children, Adolescents and Heart Disease |
| 2005 | Healthy Weight, Healthy Shape |
| 2006 | How Young Is Your Heart? |
| 2007 | Team Up for Healthy Hearts |
| 2008 | Know Your Risk! |
| 2009 | Work with Heart |
| 2010 | Workplace Wellness — I Work with Heart |
| 2011 | One World, One Home, One Heart |
| 2012 | One World, One Home, One Heart |
| 2013 | Take the Road to a Healthy Heart |
| 2014 | Heart Choices, Not Hard Choices |
| 2015 | Creating Heart-Healthy Environments |
| 2016 | Power Your Life |
| 2017 | Share the Power |
| 2018 | My Heart, Your Heart |
| 2019 | My Heart, Your Heart |
| 2020 | Use ♥ to Beat Cardiovascular Disease |
| 2021 | Use ♥ to Connect |
| 2022 | Use ♥ for Every ♥ |
| 2023 | Use ♥, Know ♥ |
| 2024 | Use ♥ for Action |
| 2025 | Don’t Miss a Beat — Silver Jubilee |
Preventing Cardiovascular Disease through Community Empowerment. From hands-only CPR demonstrations to nutritional counseling, this community medical camp emphasized that heart health begins with awareness, action, and accessible care.
Advancing Early Detection in Community Heart Health. This medical camp integrated diagnostic EKGs, POCUS imaging, and cardiometabolic screening to support early identification of cardiac pathology and risk stratification.
Sai Global Cardiovascular Symposium. The two-day conference brought together thousands of delegates from around the world, alongside prominent speakers and leaders in cardiovascular science.
Hearts in Harmony. Primary school and university students present impactful cultural dramas celebrating heart health, wellness, and compassion. Don’t miss a ‘BEAT’—being benevolent in expression, action, and thought!
The Future of Heart Health. Students present an inspiring showcase of projects and innovative ideas dedicated to CVD prevention and education.
World Heart Day 2025 Celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam, India. A community heart walk for heart health awareness, culminating in a striking heart formation by the students.
Red Illumination for World Heart Day. The Sai Hira Global Convention Center and Hospitals (SSSIHMS, SSSGH) illuminate in red, marking solidarity with the WHF’s global movement and call for cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion.