Cardiovascular disease statistics from the European atlas: inequalities between high- and middle-income member countries of the ESC

Abstract

The recent publication in the European Heart Journal (EHJ) of 2017 cardiovascular disease (CVD) statistics for the 56 member countries of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is a landmark event.¹ The statistics are drawn from the Atlas compiled by the ESC’s European Heart Agency in Brussels.² For the first time, a comprehensive report has been developed for the ESC member countries with detailed, contemporary information about major CVD risk factors, population health behaviours, disease prevalence, and outcomes. The Atlas also includes novel ESC sponsored survey data on health infrastructure and cardiovascular service provision provided by the national societies of ESC member countries. These data promise to generate interest beyond the EHJ’s cardiac readership to include an extended audience of patient groups, the general public, policymakers, and...