More than 80% of premature cardiovascular deaths could be avoided according to experts

Currently, cardiovascular diseases cause 10,000 deaths every day in Europe, and in Spain, data from the National Institute of Statistics indicate that approximately 314 people die every day due to cardiovascular events. In addition to their impact on individuals, these pathologies represent a considerable economic burden on the health systemwith spending in Europe amounting to 282 billion euros per year.

Although they remain the leading cause of mortality on the continent, cardiovascular disease is largely preventableand there is growing interest in reducing this burden through behavioral changes and management of risk factors and causes.

A new report titled The future of cardiovascular health in Europe: a holistic approach was recently published, bringing together the conclusions of the first Think Tank organized by Daiichi Sankyo, in collaboration with ten European experts from different specialties, aiming to identify the main barriers and propose solutions for better management of these diseases.

The experts contributing to this report represent various disciplines involved in the management of cardiovascular patients, including clinicians, patient associations, researchers, specialists in eHealth, nutrition, nurses, psychology, sport, as well as experts in communication and health policy.

Challenges

Participants looked at behavioral and physiological factors in cardiovascular disease, such as diet, exercise and mental health.

Among the challenges identified as obstacles to the adoption of a comprehensive approach included: misinformation, limited communication between professionals from different fields, financing constraints and social pressures.

On this basis, the report proposes three strategic recommendations to integrate a holistic approach into cardiovascular care in Europe, establishing a common roadmap to achieve this, around three main axes.

Three strategies

1. Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and communication between health professionals as well as those related to cardiovascular health in an integral way (such as nutritionists or psychologists, among others), also improving communication between doctors and patients. Implement artificial intelligence (IA) to facilitate this communication and coordination, as well as to create personalized plans for each patientas AI-based predictive analytics can analyze large amounts of patient data, from genetic predispositions to lifestyle factors.

2. Improve patient support and educationpromoting lifelong awareness, starting education at school age and equipping children with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their heart health from a young age. This also includes strengthening physical and mental wellness programs at workplaces.

3. Bring about changes to health policies at European level. The experts stressed that the holistic vision of cardiovascular care must be included in political agendas at a European level. Policy changes could provide better access to preventive care, encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and remove barriers to access.

“Strengthening prevention policies and treating cardiovascular risk factors comprehensively is a current priority. We must work to promote educationbecause with simple interventions promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, improving physical activity, reducing obesity and controlling risk factors (hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes), more than 80% of premature cardiovascular deaths can be avoided,” explains Dr José Ramón González Juanatey, member of the World Heart Federation and Think Tank participant.