Healthy lifestyles become a political affair

EuroAspire and EuroAction results to be presented

Heart disease is the number one killer in Europe, taking over 2 million lives every year1, yet it is a preventable condition. Some segments of the population such as women and young athletes are not even aware that they are at risk.

Experts from all over Europe will gather from today in Paris to exchange scientific knowledge, professional experiences, upgrade skills and propose strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease across the continent. EuroPrevent is the annual congress of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation2.

“EuroPrevent is the biggest medical event concerning Cardiovascular Disease Prevention” says Prof Alain Cohen-Solal, FESC, of the Hôpital Lariboisiere in Paris, spokesperson for the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)3 and national organiser of the event which will last until 3 May 2008 at the Palais de Congrès. “It is the only meeting to embrace all aspects of prevention, from clinical practice to prevention in populations. At a time when health costs are making national budgets explode, it is the duty of doctors, especially of cardiologists, to reflect upon ways to promote healthy lifestyles through preventive measures. As professionals we also need to keep up to date with the latest therapeutic alternatives available. This is why EuroPrevent4 is such an important rendezvous for the medical world” explains Prof Cohen-Solal.

Despite repeated campaigns calling for individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, avoidance of tobacco and stress, controlling cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension, the public does not seem to grasp exactly what “prevention” entails. Cardiovascular disease is estimated to cost the European Union 192 billion Euros a year thus making efforts to check the ailment a political priority.

“EuroPrevent is unique because it takes a holistic view of cardiovascular disease prevention. Ours is the only European meeting which brings together policy makers, public health, the complete spectrum of specialists – doctors, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, physical activity specialists, pharmacists, occupational therapists – and scientists, all of whom are making their own special contribution to cardiovascular prevention,” explains Prof David Wood, FESC, from Imperial College London, chairman of the Congress Programme Committee and President Elect of the EACPR.

The ESC has recently launched the European Health Heart Charter5 with other partners in order to stimulate the adoption of cardiovascular health in all policies for European citizens. So far 28 countries have signed the Charter. Individuals alone find it difficult to alter their behaviour. Sometimes change needs to be facilitated by creating a healthy environment which is the responsibility of political authorities. Members of the European Parliament have also understood the urgency of this challenge and have formed the MEP Heart Group6, of which the ESC is a member. A resolution was recently passed advocating the EU Commission to promote the adoption of the European Guidelines on CVD Prevention7. Professor Lars Ryden, FESC, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the ESC says "Political action is essential at an EU level if we are to seriously address CVD prevention across Europe."