The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is calling for concerted action following the recent release of an important report of the World Heart Organisation (WHO).
"Preventing Chronic Diseases: A Vital Investment" clearly demonstrates the full extent of the global burden of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.It is anticipated that a global action to prevent chronic disease could save the lives of 36 million people who would otherwise be dead by 2015. The ESC strongly supports the report and its findings as cardiovascular disease (CVD), in its own, accounts for nearly half of all deaths in Europe (49%) and in the European Union (EU) (42%). In a mission to decrease these alarming figures, the ESC is eager to reinforce the message that the global epidemic of chronic disease can only be stopped through concerted action.Empowered with this perspective, the ESC has been calling to reunite forces in order to fight this battle in a joint effort. The prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease should be major priorities on both the national and pan-European level. The new goal set by the WHO to reduce the worldwide death rate of chronic disease by two per cent per year over the next ten years seems to be realistic.
There is abundant scientific evidence that preventive action is effective in terms both of mortality and morbidity and of health economic gains.However as it is a societal problem, all possible pressure and encouragement should be used to help them to actively accept their societal responsibilities.
