European Heart Health Charter Official Launch 12 June 2007 European Parliament - Brussels "Every child born in the new millennium has the right to live until the age of at least 65 without suffering from avoidable cardiovascular disease."

Impact of Cardiovacular Diseases (CVD) in Europe CVD is the N°1 killer in developed countries CVD accounts for almost half of all deaths in Europe causing over 4.35 million deaths each year in the 53 member states of the World Health Organization European Region Causing more than 1.9 million deaths each year in the European Union (25) CVD costs the EU economy 169 billion euros a year CVD is responsible for 55% of all deaths in women across Europe and 43% of all deaths in men, killing more people than all cancers combined

already enormous all these are only set to lead to an increase in CVD "The cost to the EU from CVD in terms of lives and productivity is already enormous. Rising levels of obesity in some parts of Europe, a failure to decrease smoking in young women, the unavailability of healthy foods to some sectors of the populations, rising blood pressure levels - all these are only set to lead to an increase in CVD." Prof. Georgs Andrejevs MEP

Why the charter was created To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the European Union and WHO European Region To reduce the inequalities of the burden of CVD within and between countries To place the fight against CVD high on the political agenda both for the EU and within the individual nation states To provide a variety of tools to be used by government officials, health organisations and associations to improve public understanding about CVD and its risk factors To mobilise cross-sectorial collaboration and broad support for cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention

What is the Charter designed to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe. The first Charter designed to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe. "This Charter on CVD in Europe has the full support of both the WHO and the European Commission. It provides a clear message that WHO and the European Commission are working hand-in-hand with cardiologists from the ESC and public organizations from EHN to form a strong, visible alliance against Europe's greatest killer.” Dr Jill Farrington - WHO Regional Office for Europe

The Commitment "Every child born in the new millennium has the right to live until the age of at least 65 without suffering from avoidable cardiovascular disease." Valentine’s declaration from the Winning Heart Conference of 14 February 2000

The aim Substantially reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the European Union and WHO European Region and reduce inequities and inequalities in disease burden within and between countries

Follow the principles of the Heart Health Charter ! Implement the policies and measures agreed in high- level European political documents Advocate for and support the development and implement comprehensive health strategies at European, National and Regional levels Engage in education and empowerment of the public and patients, raise awareness, secure community mobilisation Support the establishment of national strategies for detection, management, prevention and care Refer to article 9 to 18 of the Heart Health Charter

A few national initiatives Denmark, Italy, Lithuania What about your country ?

A few national initiatives Denmark: Reorienting health services towards chronic conditions Italy: Creating health-supporting environments Lithuania: Investing in prevention for health and development Source: WHO

Proposed initiative in line with the Heart Health Charter [Please Insert national initiative here]

« For the Hearts of our Children I adopt the Heart Health Charter » Please visit

An initiative of: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) represents more than 52,000 cardiology professionals across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Europe. The European Heart Network (EHN) is an alliance of heart foundations and likeminded non-governmental organisations throughout Europe, with member organisations in 26 countries. The European Commission has developed a coordinated approach to European health policy: a high level of human health protection should be assured in all Community policies. The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe is the United Nations specialized agency for health. WHO's objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health