Monaco joined the global community in marking World Heart Day on Monday, September 29, an international initiative aimed at raising awareness of cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death worldwide. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention, early detection, and healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the risks of heart-related illnesses.
In the Principality, the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) set up an information and screening stand at Place du Marché, where healthcare teams engaged with the public until late afternoon. Visitors were invited to learn about risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise, as well as to undergo free blood pressure checks and receive practical advice on improving daily habits.
Christophe Robino, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, emphasised the importance of such initiatives. “Cardiovascular disease is still one of the greatest health challenges we face. Prevention and early screening are essential. The more we educate and involve the population, the more lives we can protect,” he said.
Globally, the World Heart Federation, which coordinates the campaign, estimates that more than 20 million people die annually from cardiovascular causes — a figure projected to rise without stronger prevention measures. The theme of this year’s campaign, ‘Use Heart, Know Heart’, encourages individuals to better understand their own heart health, recognise warning signs, and take responsibility for reducing risks through lifestyle changes.
Monaco has been strengthening its efforts in this field through public health campaigns, partnerships with schools to promote exercise among children, and support for smoking cessation programmes. The CHPG also continues to develop advanced cardiac care and rehabilitation services, ensuring that residents and patients in the region benefit from cutting-edge expertise.
As today’s activities showed, even small steps — from a brisk daily walk to regular check-ups — can significantly improve heart health. For the Principality, World Heart Day is both a moment of solidarity with global health efforts and a call to action at home.
