Heart attacks and strokes are a global health challenge, accounting for 3.9 million deaths annually, in the South-East Asia Region, including India, said the World Health Organization on Saturday, ahead of World Heart Day.

World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), accelerating actions to prevent, detect early, and manage heart health. The theme this year is ‘Use Heart for Action’

“Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant global health challenge responsible for over 18 million deaths each year,” said Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.