"CVD is currently THE public health challenge in Europe", says Prof. Simon Capewell, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, Liverpool University, UK. "There are widening gaps both between and within Member States.  CVD mortality rates have been decreasing in the past 30 years but they are now flattening. This is extremely frustrating because 80% of premature CVD deaths can be prevented by tackling the major risk factors, diet and smoking. A comprehensive European heart health strategy addressing health promotion and disease prevention is a moral responsibility for policymakers."

Significant policy developments addressing cardiovascular disease have taken place in Europe in the last decade. These include the Council Conclusions to promote heart health (adopted in 2004), the European Heart Health Charter (launched in 2007), and the European Parliament Resolution on action to tackle cardiovascular disease (adopted with a large majority in July 2007). Despite this, a tangible European strategy to address CVD is still non-existent. The MEP HG is calling for action from the European Commission and Member States to fill the gap. We urgently need to address what should be the Number 1 public health priority in Europe.

Source: Members of the European Parliament Heart Group