Healthy lifestyles become a politi...( Heart disease is the number one kill...),Health

Heart disease is the number one killer in Europe, taking over 2 million lives every year1, yet it is a preventable condition. Some segments of the population such as women and young athletes are not even aware that they are at risk.

Experts from all over Europe will gather from today in Paris to exchange scientific knowledge, professional experiences, upgrade skills and propose strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease across the continent. EuroPrevent is the annual congress of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation2.

EuroPrevent is the biggest medical event concerning Cardiovascular Disease Prevention says Prof Alain Cohen-Solal, FESC, of the Hpital Lariboisiere in Paris, spokesperson for the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)3 and national organiser of the event which will last until 3 May 2008 at the Palais de Congrs. It is the only meeting to embrace all aspects of prevention, from clinical practice to prevention in populations. At a time when health costs are making national budgets explode, it is the duty of doctors, especially of cardiologists, to reflect upon ways to promote healthy lifestyles through preventive measures. As professionals we also need to keep up to date with the latest therapeutic alternatives available. This is why EuroPrevent4 is such an important rendezvous for the medical world explains Prof Cohen-Solal.

Despite repeated campaigns calling for individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, avoidance of tobacco and stress, controlling cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension, the public does not seem to grasp exactly what prevention entails. Cardiovascular disease is estimated to cost the European Union 192 billion Euros a year thus making efforts to check the ailment a political priority.

EuroPrevent is unique because it takes a holistic view of cardiovascular disease prevention. Ours is the only Europea
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