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George Washington University

Publication Date

Fall 2015

Program Name

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

Abstract

As the number one cause of death, cardiovascular disease represents a threat to both the economic and social well being of European countries. As a result of a variety of coordinated efforts between the European Union (EU), national governments, nonprofits, private industry, and local communities, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been decreasing in most countries in recent years. Measures such as bans on trans fats in Denmark, social mobilization and prevention policy in Finland, and nutrition labeling in the United Kingdom have had major impacts on heart disease. For instance, Finland’s prevention programs have resulted in a 63% reduction in deaths due to CVD (Laatikainen, Critchley, Vartiainen, Salomaa, Ketonen, & Capewell, 2005). However, other countries, like Greece and Russia, are faced with rising incidences of heart disease due to increased economic stress, change from traditional diets, and poor national coordination. In this study, I have examined the policies that have been recommended by the European Union, as well as individual national policies, to determine that prevention and health promotion are the most effective ways to promote a heart healthy lifestyle.

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion

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