Europe will seek its own overall strategy for cardiovascular health

Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) And Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) called for the urgent creation European Strategy for Cardiovascular Health put prevention on the current health policy agenda in the European Union.

During the conference “For the Heart of Europe”, held at the headquarters European Parliament in Spain on occasion World Heart Day (which is celebrated this Sunday, September 29), both organizations emphasized the importance of addressing this issue at the community level. Event held in collaboration Novartis Pharmaceuticalsallowed us to take stock of the progress towards this necessary European Strategy for Cardiovascular Health.

The numbers reflect the scale of the problem: more than 1.7 million people died in 2021 in Europe due to cardiovascular diseasesaccording to Eurostat. IN Spainthis reason caused more than 120,000 deaths in 2022what does it mean 26.1% of total deathsaccording to National Institute of Statistics (INE). However, despite the high prevalence, World Health Organization believes that 80% of these premature deaths can be prevented with appropriate measures.

He FEC PresidentHe Dr. Andres Iniguezemphasized the need rethink the approach these pathologies: “We must move away from the model focused on care to another on the basis preventionpromotion healthy lifestyle since childhood,” he said. This change of focus It is vital to stop the spread of diseases that, although well known, continue to have devastating effects.

In this sense, Spain located at avant-garde with him Cardiovascular Health Strategy belonging National health systemA pioneering plan in Europe and unique in its kind, the purpose of which is to improve cardiovascular health population with a comprehensive approach that ranges from promoting healthy habits until primary care. “Despite the ambitious project, much remains to be done in its implementation,” admitted Dr. Jose Tuñonmember SEC Executive Committee. “Our task is put into practice what we already know theoretically, because risk factors among the Spanish population they still have great room for improvement,” he added.

The meeting was also attended by several MEPswho spoke about the need to create general structure at the European level. “In it European Parliament we are promoting cardiovascular health strategy this allows reduce inequality between countries and improve quality of life citizens,” he explained. Susana SolisMEP group PPE. preventionas he emphasized, it must be central axispromoting programs awareness And primary screening For detect in time That risk factors.

For my part, MEP José Cepeda (S&D) emphasized the importance broader focus which also implies around: “We must design cities which contribute physical activity and reduce eating unhealthy foods. This is not only about health policy, but also about create a healthy environment“, he said. Margaret of PisaMember of the European Parliament from PFEadded that compare results between countries can help you determine which small actions produced the best results, laying the foundation for joint efforts similar to the one developed in fight against cancer.

For my part, Christmas Calventedirector Novartis Spain PRemphasized the importance know your cardiovascular risk each person: ” prevention of cardiovascular diseases there must be priority for the whole society. We can’t forget secondary prevention For those who have already transferred cardiovascular eventensuring that they receive proper follow-up which minimizes risk of relapse”