World Heart Day Walk

In Switzerland, around 20,000 people die each year from cardiovascular diseases. To mark World Heart Day on September 29, the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), in collaboration with the World Heart Federation and the Save a Life network, are organizing a walk, along with a series of events. These activities will include conferences, around thirty workshops, and booths focusing on different cardiovascular diseases, warning signs to watch for, preventable risk factors, and available treatments.

In Switzerland, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and the third leading cause of hospitalization. Yet, 80% of premature deaths from these diseases could be prevented by reducing risk factors and adopting heart-healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking.

The goal of this day is to raise public awareness about cardiovascular health and individual risk factors. It will also be an opportunity to discover medical innovations, such as heart replacement machines, as well as the Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Services at HUG.

The program will also include first aid training, an ambulance tour, and a presentation of the Save a Life network, aimed at improving public knowledge about emergency interventions for heart health.