Health Council recognises heart health as policy priority
During a Council meeting on 2 June, EU health ministers recognised that cardiovascular diseases in Europe were 'the largest cause of death of men and women in the European Union' and encouraged both Member States and the European Commission to advance treatment and encourage research. 'Unhealthy lifestyles, particularly tobacco consumption, as well as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity amongst European citizens are risk factors to be addressed in the development of national and European policy,' said a Council statement. The declaration is a direct consequence of the various initiatives taken by the Irish government, which had, at the start of its presidency of the EU, identified heart health as one of its main priorities. The Irish Minister for Health and Children, Mr Micheàl Martin, who chaired the meeting of the Council said he was 'confident that decisions taken at the Council would ensure further progress is made on the important issues on which agreement was reached to provide high quality healthcare to all citizens of Europe.' In a separate statement, the European society of cardiology (ESC) also expressed its satisfaction with the result of the Council. 'The Council of Ministers of the EU is to be congratulated on its vision of how to prevent heart disease. The ESC is looking forward to working further with the EU, together with our national society partners, to put into action these important messages for citizens, doctors and researchers,' said Professor John Martin, chair of the ESC. Recognising that the majority of heart problems are 'preventable through life changes and appropriate uses of medicine', the Council is keen to encourage public health strategies to include a long-term approach aimed at both the healthy population and those at risk or with cardiovascular diseases. The Council also expressed its concern about 'the negative consequences for cardiovascular health of the increase in obesity and overweight among all ages in the European Union, particularly among children and young people.' The Council therefore called on Member States to improve health impact assessments in order to measure the health implications of all national public policies, and encouraged the networking and exchange of information between all stakeholders. 'A framework for a health promotion strategy requires an integrated approach and needs to be comprehensive, transparent, multisectoral, multidisciplinary, participatory and based on best available research and evidence.' Ministers also called for further action to be taken at national level in the fight against tobacco use, diet and physical activity for reduced cardiovascular risks. The Council called on the Commission to support national efforts in the framework of the Public Health Action by continuing 'to work towards the development of a comprehensive and integrated European food and nutrition policy.' Ministers have also requested the Commission to launch a public health portal by 2005.