ESC & cardiovascular prevention policy

John F Martin

Rationale (1)

• CVD still n°1 killer in Europe: kills over 2 million people in the EU each year

• Costs for the EU: €192 billion a year

• Large discrepancies in mortality & incidence: East/West radiant

Rationale (2)

BUT...• Many of the deaths caused by CVD could

be averted thanks to proper prevention policies ─› prevention

• Profession acts at individual level: prevention needs a population approach ─› policy makers

Role of the profession

• Profession can provide scientific expertise to help make the best decision

• help/do develop appropriate tools: risk assessment tools, guidelines, educational programmes

• Create alliances

• Mobilise policy makers

Achievements (2)

2002: Presidency Declaration (Spanish presidency of the EU)

• Acknowledges the burden of CVD for the first time

• Calls for action from Member States & European Commission

Achievements (3)

2004: Council Conclusions on Heart Health (Irish presidency of the EU)

Very comprehensive call for action to Member States & EC:Prevention strategies, risk factor assessment, guidelines, etc

Achievements (4)

2005: Luxembourg Declaration (Luxembourg presidency of the EU)

• Reiterates importance of 2004 Conclusions• Calls for a practical manifesto all stakeholders can identify to.

Achievements (5)

2006: Council Conclusions on Women’s health (Austrian presidency of the EU)

Achievements (6)

2007: European Heart Health Charter

European Heart Health Charter (1)

An agreement between partners to:•help implement Charter recommendations•pursue goal of CVD prevention at European &

national levels

European Heart Health Charter (2)

Launched at European Parliament 12 June 2007

Available in 24 languages

Adopted in 30 European countries

Towards Recommendations (1)

Why Recommendations?

• stronger sign than just new Conclusions

• politically commit Member States who adopt the Recommendations

• highest soft law tool in the field of health