India is leading the celebration of World Heart Day 2014 with the theme "Creating Heart-Healthy Environments" after the prevalence of the said country has increased four-fold over the last four decades, The Health Site has learned.

Founded in 2000 by World Heart Federation, World Heart Day is celebrated to spread the awareness of heart diseases or cardio vascular diseases and stroke the leading causes of death worldwide.

Statistics shows that 17.3 million people actually die of any type of heart disease annually.

Current records in India account cardio vascular diseases as the prime cause of 29% of deaths each year.

World Heart Day is reportedly observed on the 29th of September, but in India it is usually celebrated on the last Sunday of September.

In the wake of the international feast, the World Heart Federation organizes numerous events and outreach programs that aim to spread more info on heart diseases and stroke in over 120 countries.

The World Heart Day activities usually include health checks, organized walks and runs, public integration, fitness sessions, stage shows, exhibitions, scientific forums, carnivals, concerts and sports tournaments, among others.

According to News.LK, Sri Lanka Heart Association (SLHA) is joining the World Heart Day celebration by upholding its theme and spreading information that people can make positive changes that can reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

SLHA has specifically organized a program at the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine in Malabe for cardiologists, doctors of other related specialties, post graduate trainees, allied healthcare professionals and interested organizations and individuals.

More info on the event is provided on the News.LK page for World Heart Day 2014.

Currently on its 15th year, World Heart Day gives a venue for healthcare professionals to position cardiovascular diseases at the heart of global priorities.

India.com has shared a video by the World Heart Federation that explains what World Heart Day is all about. Check out the video below: