25.07.12
Large-scale regulation could reduce CVD death – ESC
Behaviour change at the population level could prevent 50% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) inEurope, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has asserted.
The society’s European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (EACPR) is calling for intervention from local and national governments to change unhealthy behaviour on a larger scale, which researchers say would have a greater impact than an individualised approach.
CVD is the main cause of death inEurope, with over 4.3 million deaths a year, costing at least €190bn a year. Yet 80-90% of these deaths are preventable, according to the 2012 joint European Societies guidelines.
Addressing societal factors such as advertising junk food, salt and fat content in processed foods, inactivity, smoking and alcohol through taxation, regulation and ‘nudging’ behaviour could prove more effective than individual efforts.
The EACPR has published a paper recommending subsidy for fruit and vegetables, clear labelling of foods, smoke-free environments and plain packaging on cigarettes, reallocating road space to cycle and footpaths and work to integrate physical activity in daily life.
Professor Simon Capewell, co-author of the paper and a member of the ESC’s European Affairs Committee, said: “Population interventions make the environment healthier and change happens automatically whereas with an individual approach you need an active response.”
In response to concerns that such intervention could be seen as control via the nanny state, he added: “Much of the nanny state is manipulated by industry which leads to the nanny state generating very cheap junk food through subsidies at Common Agricultural Policy level, and an environment with advertising and marketing seducing us to buy junk food and sweet drinks.
“In this case the nanny state is malignant rather than benign and we’re looking to government to redress the balance.”
Professor Torben Jørgensen, first author of the paper and a member of the EACPR, added: “If you ask a minor group of the population with bad habits or unhealthy lifestyles to change them, it’s difficult because the surroundings push them in another direction.
“Health professionals should help politicians to make the right decisions, but it’s only politicians who can actually make these major structural change in society.”
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