#loveyourheart 2016: MEPs tackle Europe’s top killer in awareness raising campaign

#loveyourheart 2016: MEPs tackle Europe’s top killer in awareness raising campaign

On Valentine’s Day, EU policymakers would love to know “How’s your heart?” to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Europe, and to call for action.

The campaign is an initiative of the MEP Heart Group, which unites Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) wishing to raise cardiovascular health as a priority on the EU political agenda. The drive is supported by the European Society of Cardiology and the European Heart Network, whose mission is to prevent and reduce cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Europe.

Thankfully there is a steady decrease in CVD mortality rates across the continent, yet over four million people die of CVD yearly (1). This is happening when we know that up to 80% of premature CVD deaths could be avoided with prevention policies and early management of risk factors (2).

MEP Heart Group Co-Chair Mairead McGuinness MEP said: “We all know someone who has been affected by heart disease. We do not know how many people live with cardiovascular disease. This year on Valentine’s Day we are asking everyone to share their “heart” stories as a reminder to us all of the need to act to reduce deaths.”

MEP Heart Group Co-Chair Karin Kadenbach MEP said: “We want to show who the people behind the numbers are. Policymakers can do a lot to combat cardiovascular disease, such as banning trans-fatty acids in food, and fostering green urban planning to reduce pollution and promote physical activity. CVD needs to be given the appropriate attention on the policy agenda.”

How’s your heart? Share your story on Twitter and Facebook using #loveyourheart2016

Thank you for your support!