In celebration of World Heart Day on September 29, 2016, Royal Philips, a leading health technology company, today announced a new partnership with the World Heart Federation (WHF) to help people better manage their heart health. Aligned with the WHF’s ‘power your life’ campaign, Philips aims to encourage people to take personal responsibility for leading heart-healthy lives and raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD).
CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in more than 17.5 million deaths in 2015 and accounts for more costs than any other chronic illness. Yet, the recent Future Health Index commissioned by Philips shows only 39% of cardiology healthcare professionals believe their patients have the tools required to better manage their own heart health effectively. As a leader in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, Philips believes that providing people information to make healthier choices and establish healthier habits is key to ongoing healthy hearts.
“Philips is dedicated to providing personalized, integrated cardiology solutions with a focus on prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Our new partnership with the World Heart Federation is an important element of our commitment to drive prevention of CVD by making clear the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and to help people make better choices and develop healthier habits for life,” said Carla Kriwet, Business Leader of Patient Care and Monitoring Solutions at Philips.
In celebration of World Heart Day, Philips is launching myheartisunique.com, an educational hub designed to drive awareness of preventing CVD through healthy living. The hub will feature expert interviews; questions for patients to ask their cardiologist; information on living with CVD including early warning signs; and lifestyle-related content such as exercise tips and heart-healthy recipes.
“Heart health is at the heart of all health. When you look after your heart it means eating and drinking well, exercising, stopping smoking... all the things that make you not only healthier, but also feel good and able to enjoy your life to the fullest,” said Johanna Ralston, CEO, World Heart Federation. “Our partnership with Philips brings a unique perspective given their clinical expertise and insights into consumers. Together we support the World Health Organization’s goal of reducing premature deaths from cardiovascular disease by at least 25% by the year 2025.”
As an extension of its World Heart Day activities, earlier this month Philips celebrated the 20th anniversary of its HeartStart automated external defibrillator (AED), featuring an awareness campaign calling attention to the prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest and the role of the everyday hero to help save a life. Philips aims to showcase the ease of use and importance of AEDs, and empower laypeople to take action. Philips HeartStart defibrillators are on board nine out of 10 major U.S. airlines, and many of the largest international carriers. HeartStart can also be found in 43 professional sports team arenas and 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies.
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