World Heart Day is celebrated on the initiative of the World Heart Federation (WHF) with the participation and co-financing of who, UNESCO and UNICEF. The first celebration took place on September 24, 2000. Celebrations in Poland have been organized since 2002 by the Polish Cardiac Society.

The celebration of this day is aimed at increasing awareness social and dissemination of basic knowledge about heart and vascular diseases blood vessels, about ways to prevent them and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The heart is the hardest working muscle. Never rests. Without constant blood circulation in the body, we could not live.

The main risk factors for heart disease are:

• Hypertension
• diabetes
• obesity
• high alcohol consumption,
• abnormal cholesterol levels,
• Smoking
• improper diet,
• little physical activity.

To reduce the risk of heart attack (and Stroke) preventive measures should be taken, such as:

• use of a proper diet: vegetables, fruits, limiting the consumption of red meat in favour of poultry and fish, limiting consumption of simple sugars and table salt,
• cessation of smoking and restriction of cigarettes alcohol consumption,
• weight control or reduction in case of existing overweight or obesity,
• regular physical activity,
• compliance with medical recommendations,
• controlling blood pressure and levels Cholesterol.