World Heart Federation says up to 80% of premature cardiovascular deaths preventable

The World Heart Federation said that up to 80% of premature cardiovascular deaths are preventable.

According to the organisation, nearly 18 million people die from cardiovascular conditions every year, more than the fatalities caused by cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined.

The latest statistics come as World Heart Day is observed on Monday.

The theme in 2025 calls for collective efforts to protect heart health and expand access to life-saving care.

CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA, Pamela Naidoo, said more needed to be done to address the issue.

"Please pay attention to all the risk factors that may lead you to having a cardiac condition; these include raised cholesterol levels, high glucose levels, raised blood pressure and hypertension, obesity."

Naidoo said healthier choices can have a big impact.

"Walk more, eat healthier foods, and, overall, aim to live and adopt a much healthier behavioural repertoire for your life."