The World Heart Federation launched World Heart Day in 2000, in partnership with the World Health Organization, to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease as the world's leading cause of death. Since 2011, the day has been fixed on September 29 each year, after previously being observed on the last Sunday of September. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, kill an estimated 20.5 million people worldwide each year, accounting for roughly a third of all global deaths. Most of these deaths are preventable by addressing risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure. The day is marked worldwide with community sports events, free heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol screenings, and awareness campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly targeting those most at risk of heart disease.