Every year, up to 4,500 Ukrainian children are born with heart defects. With timely help, 99% of them can be saved.

September 29 — World Heart Day: Raising Awareness About Congenital Heart Defects in Ukraine

World Heart Day, initiated by the World Heart Federation and WHO, is observed annually on September 29 to raise global awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) — one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Each year, more than 17 million people die from heart-related illnesses — nearly one in ten. According to WHO, this number is expected to rise to 23 million by 2030. However, up to 80% of heart attacks, strokes, and other CVDs can be prevented through greater awareness and lifestyle changes.

In Ukraine, heart disease is also a leading cause of death. Contributing factors include genetics, lifestyle habits, underlying medical conditions, post-COVID complications, chronic stress, and insufficient early diagnosis of both acquired and congenital heart defects. The situation is worsening as the average age of patients increases, bringing a higher risk of cardiovascular issues.

Adults can make their own health decisions. But what about a child born with a heart defect? Their survival depends on parental responsibility, timely diagnosis, and urgent surgery.

In Ukraine, nearly 4,500 children are born each year with congenital heart defects (CHD). The good news? 99% of them can be saved — even during wartime.

This is the mission of Tvoya Opora Foundation’s project, “Big Little Heart”, which provides lifesaving treatment for children with CHD. On World Heart Day, we call on everyone to wear red and talk about CHD on social media — to raise awareness about timely heart screening for children and the importance of early care.

"A child’s life can be saved with diagnosis and swift surgery. That’s why we urge society to pay attention to this issue," says Valeriia Tatarchuk, founder of Tvoya Opora Foundation and the “Big Little Heart” initiative — the only Ukrainian member of the World Heart Federation.

Since launching the project in 2021, Tvoya Opora has saved over 780 children, providing direct aid, essential medications, medical equipment for surgeries and ICUs — with over 46 million UAH in total assistance delivered.

According to the M.M. Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, 10 out of every 1,000 babies in Ukraine are born with CHD. In 2022, the Institute provided consultations to 3,886 children. Among them, 402 required surgery, 1,942 were advised for observation, and many others were found healthy. In comparison, 2021 saw 6,360 consultations and 702 surgeries — a stark drop due to the war, displacement, and limited access to care.

“Standard CHD diagnostics include anamnesis, echocardiography, and ECG. If necessary, CT or MRI may be used,” explains Dr. Serhii Siromakha, Chief of the Amosov Institute.

Parents should watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath, poor weight gain, developmental delays, frequent lung infections (more than 6 per year or 3 needing antibiotics), swelling, or cyanosis. These may indicate CHD and warrant immediate cardiac screening.

On this World Heart Day, let’s speak up for children’s hearts — and ensure no child’s heartbeat goes unheard.