The Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) and the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) have called this Friday to develop a European cardiovascular health strategy that prioritizes the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the face of the important challenge that these pathologies pose at a global level. They have done it in the days…
The Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) and the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) have called this Friday to develop a European cardiovascular health strategy that prioritizes the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the face of the important challenge that these pathologies pose at a global level. They did so at the ‘For the Heart of Europe’ conference, held at the European Parliament office in Spain, on the occasion of World Heart Day. The meeting, which has had the collaboration of Novartis, has also served to review the steps that are being taken to move towards a European Cardiovascular Health Strategy.
More than 1.7 million people died in 2021 in Europe from cardiovascular diseases, according to the latest data available from Eurostat. In Spain, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), there were more than 120,000 deaths due to this cause in 2022, with these pathologies being responsible for 26.1% of the total deaths.
However, 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases can be prevented, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In this sense, the Dr. Andrés Íñiguez, president of the FEChas highlighted the need for a paradigm shift: “In contrast to the classic model focused on the approach and treatment of the disease, new strategies based on prevention must be prioritized, through education and health promotion through healthy lifestyles from childhood.”
Precisely that is one of the strong points of the Cardiovascular Health Strategy of the National Health System (ESCAV). Spain is the only country that has a strategy of this type, the purpose of which is to improve the level of cardiovascular health of the population through a comprehensive approach. This is a very ambitious and pioneering plan, not only in Europe but throughout the world, and it is necessary to advance its implementation.
“Despite the great importance of research in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, perhaps our greatest challenge is to apply what we already know to the population. In fact, data on the prevalence of different cardiovascular risk factors in the population Spanish still have a clear room for improvement”has pointed out the Dr. José Tuñón, of the Executive Committee of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC).
During your participation, Susana Solis, EPP MEPadded that “In the European Parliament we are promoting a European cardiovascular health strategy, a fundamental challenge to improve the quality of life in Europe and reduce inequalities between countries. It is crucial to implement plans that address the impact of cardiovascular diseases. Prevention is key, and this involves raising awareness about the risks and promoting screening in primary care. In Spain, we are the first country in the European Union to implement a national plan for cardiovascular diseases.
For its part, Jose Cepeda, S&D MEPhas pointed out that “When we talk about cardiovascular health, we must prioritize above politics, with a common and strategic approach. Spain is a pioneer in the implementation of a plan for cardiovascular diseases, and it is important that it continues to develop. We must also think about healthy cities , with spaces to walk and play sports, and avoid the consumption of harmful products.
Likewise, Margarita de la Pisa, PfE MEP, added that “The comparison between countries can shed light on what small gestures or actions in service portfolios have had an impact on better cardiovascular health. Given that it is one of the main causes of death, it is essential that these measures be routine to avoid deaths “We want a European cardiovascular strategy similar to that done against cancer, with exhaustive and collaborative work between medical societies, patients and politicians to obtain results that impact the health of each Member State.”
To finish, Calvente Nativity, Director of Public Affairs at Novartis Spainhas highlighted that “The prevention of cardiovascular diseases must be a priority that we have to address as a society. Therefore, knowing our cardiovascular risk is key. Within the framework of the initiatives promoted along these lines, we must not forget about secondary prevention. People Those who have suffered a cardiovascular event need a SNS that accompanies them, that minimizes the risk of a second event and the consequences that it has generated with the consequent impact on their quality of life. As a company committed to patients and people’s health. “We will continue working and collaborating with all agents to achieve this.”.
Cardiovascular diseases: a major health challenge
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the main global health challenges, being the leading cause of death in the world (with almost 18 million deaths per year), in Europe (more than 1.7 million deaths) and in Spain. .
In 2022, 121,341 people died from this cause in our country, representing 26.1% of the total deaths, according to the latest complete data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
Along with their impact on health, cardiovascular diseases have a significant economic impact. The EU economy lost 210 billion euros due to these pathologies: 53% of them correspond to health care costs, 26% to losses in productivity and 21% to costs of informal care for people with cardiovascular disease.