The European Union recommended on Monday
that people under 35 are screened at least once for heart disease, and
advised regular checks for those aged 35 and over.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the
27-country bloc, causing 1.7 million deaths each year.
Some 62 million people are affected.
Heart diseases are on the rise despite the fact that risk factors such as
high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and obesity can be mitigated if
detected early enough.
The European Commission — the EU’s executive arm — is seeking to establish
better practices across the bloc, pointing out that only a the small number
of countries have checks in place.
It recommended “at least one health check” including blood pressure, blood
sugar and cholesterol for people under 35 years of age.
For people aged 35 to 64, the commission suggested a wider range of tests at
least every five years.
They should be checked for lifestyle factors, respiratory function,
reproductive health status and mental health, among others, it said.
From the age of 65, the EU recommended checks every three to five years.
“We need to help people build healthier habits from an early age and to be
able to identify risks sooner,” health chief Oliver Varhelyi said.
He cited high levels of smoking and vaping as well as obesity and physical
inactivity among the young.
-BSS
