Daniel José Piñeiro
President of the World Heart Federation and Professor of Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims over 20 million lives annually, often prematurely. Countries can reduce this toll by developing and implementing effective action plans.
Some cardiovascular conditions are genetic while many result from lack of access to care from birth and lifestyle consequences. All organs take wear and tear, but we should not think of heart disease as being inevitable just because we age.
Advocating for cardiovascular health
Health policies, combined with health systems that prevent, diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions, promote wellbeing. The World Heart Federation (WHF) champions health for everyone. Improving cardiovascular health entails tailoring policies and care that respond to national, regional and local needs. Targeted care involves gathering data on CVD prevalence and respective risk factors. Effective, sustainable care is possible if properly resourced and covers all citizens.
The hallmark of tailored health action plans is addressing all phases of care for every citizen.
WHF, along with other organisations worldwide, advocates for political actions that have a real impact on citizens’ lives. Thousands of people are lending their voices, demanding that governments establish national action plans or review existing ones.
Cardiovascular health action plan
A cardiovascular health action plan is a strategic public health approach, powerful in promoting cardiovascular health for all. The hallmark of tailored health action plans is addressing all phases of care for every citizen.
Prevention entails monitoring CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes through timely screening and early primary care. Proper nutrition, physical activity and avoiding tobacco are among the measures to urge and encourage.
Secondary prevention seeks to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle modifications and sticking with a prescribed treatment plan are key. Rehabilitation and recovery roll out targeted therapies, counselling and medicinal treatment to improve quality of life after a cardiovascular event.
Expand equitable healthcare
A comprehensive plan combines preventive, secondary and rehabilitative therapies so that no one is left out of their basic right to healthcare. Prevention of disease and premature mortality is an investment and a moral imperative.
Communities across the globe are becoming more aware of cardiovascular health risks and opportunities. The call is growing louder to tackle the greatest killer, improve cardiovascular health and promote wellbeing. In our respective ways, we must all respond, adding our voices and votes to expand equitable healthcare coverage for all.
