One in five cardiovascular deaths in the EU could be prevented by improving the environment, according to a recent report. Environmental factors, such as air pollution, extreme temperatures, and exposure to harmful chemicals, contribute significantly to these deaths. However, the good news is that these risks are preventable through targeted policies and interventions. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing highlights the potential for environmental policies to protect millions of Europeans from heart disease and save lives.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the EU, claiming over 1.7 million lives in 2022, which is one-third of all deaths that year. Environmental factors are estimated to be responsible for at least 18% of these deaths. Moreover, more than 6 million new cases of cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed annually, resulting in substantial economic costs for Europe, approximately EUR 282 billion. The EEA briefing, 'Preventing cardiovascular disease through a healthy environment,' provides valuable insights into this issue.
While individual factors like genetics and age are challenging to modify, environmental and behavioral factors can be addressed through strategic policies. The EU's successful history of reducing air pollution serves as a testament to the effectiveness of such policies. The Union is on track to meet the zero pollution action plan objective, aiming to reduce premature deaths attributable to air pollution by over 55% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
The European Commission's plan for EU cardiovascular health, currently in development, presents an opportunity to better integrate environmental health factors into policy. Key environmental factors contributing to cardiovascular disease deaths include air pollution, extreme temperatures and weather events, transport noise, and chemical exposure to toxic substances. These factors vary across different regions in Europe.
To reduce environmental risks, the effective implementation of existing policies is crucial. For instance, the Ambient Air Quality Directive will help lower pollution levels to align with WHO recommendations, directly reducing cardiovascular risks. Additional strategies include:
- Reducing transport noise
- Enforcing chemical regulations, accelerating the phase-out of cardiotoxic substances, and promoting safer alternatives
- Preparing health systems for climatic impacts through early warning systems, public health campaigns, and targeted support for vulnerable groups
- Facilitating the engagement of healthcare professionals by increasing environmental content in medical and nursing curricula
- Promoting the One Health approach, which focuses on protecting human, animal, and ecosystem health
- Raising public awareness and education about cardiovascular risks from environmental stressors, encouraging lifestyle changes
- Introducing nature-based solutions, such as urban greening, parks, green corridors, and blue spaces, to reduce cardiovascular risk by improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and promoting physical activity.
