A major health plan aimed at combating heart disease across Europe is to be launched in Ireland today.
The European Heart Health Charter is an EU-wide policy document on cardiovascular disease prevention aimed at helping to tackle one of the world's biggest killers.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Europe and in Ireland, accounting for half of all deaths.
The charter is being launched in Ireland by the Irish Heart Foundation.
Leading Irish professional and public health organisations, policy makers and politicians will sign the document, pledging to tackle cardiovascular disease and to strongly promote a future 'heart healthier Ireland'.
The organisers of today's launch said the rationale and commitment for the charter is that: "Every child born in this millennium has the right to live until the age of at least 65 without suffering from avoidable cardiovascular disease."
Key signatories include Professor Eoin O'Brien, President of the Irish Heart Foundation, David Kennedy, Chairman of the National Heart Alliance and Geraldine Luddy, Director of the Women's Health Council.
Professor Eoin O'Brien said we must ensure that our focus and efforts in tackling cardiovascular disease must not diminish.
"CVD is still the leading cause of death here in Ireland and across Europe accounting for half of all deaths. It is estimated that the total cost of CVD to the Irish economy is €866 million, which includes healthcare costs, loss of productivity and informal care. Across Europe this figure is €169billion, averaging €347 for every citizen."
"Despite declining death rates from CVD, there are paradoxically increasing numbers of men and women surviving heart disease and stroke due to improved treatment and increased longevity, but at the expense of often having considerable disability."
Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children Pat the Cope Gallagher said: "I am committed to overseeing the development of a new cardiovascular health strategy - one that will build on the successes of Building Healthier Hearts, taking into account the changed landscape of today's Ireland. By supporting this charter the government is declaring its ongoing commitment to promoting cardiovascular health."