Under the auspices of Swiss President and Health Minister, Pascal Couchepin, representatives from Switzerland’s 14 cardiovascular health organisations gathered in Bern’s Federal Place on Wednesday 28 May to join forces in the fight against heart disease, acknowledging and signing the European Heart Health Charter .
The day was one for celebration and began with 130 pupils, all of whom are participating in the national campaign "fit und rank," or "slim and in shape," dressed in red and holding balloons, greeting Mr. Couchepin on his way to the press centre.
The event was organised by both the Swiss Cardiac Society, represented by its President Dr. Andres Jaussi, and by the Swiss Foundation of Cardiology, represented by Dr. Jaussi’s counterpart, Professor Ludwig von Segesser.
As Chairman, Dr. Jaussi officially welcomed Professor Paul Hugenholtz, past President and founding father of the European Society of Cardiology.
The Charter, which sets out to dramatically reduce heart disease within the European region, is seen as a major step in the right direction in a country where 40% of annual deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease. ‘The European Heart Health Charter is an important milestone in the fight against cardiovascular diseases,’ said Professor Felix Mahler, President of CardioVasc, the organisation whose aim is to ensure that the political motivation exists to put in place measures to reduce heart diseases and promote healthy living.
Professor von Segesser explained that ‘the signing of this Charter, by 14 important health organisations, gives us hope that the union of forces will guarantee improved cardiovascular health, greater years of life without suffering and a better quality of life for future generations.’
The concept of “Primary Prevention” is taking centre stage with Professor Segesser declaring that ‘we must, at last, pay particular attention to the younger generation, which must be encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle and which must be given the opportunity to grow up in an environment favourable to health.’ This can be achieved through physical exercise, healthy eating habits, through the pursuit of the fight against smoking and the reduction of stress.
His views were echoed in several speeches made by his peers, including Professor Hugo Saner, President of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.
Mr. Couchepin’s presence served to underline the importance of the event and he threw his weight behind the initiative; ‘Priority is given to preventative measures which aim to change lifestyles, at both a societal and individual level.’
'The health of all Swiss citizens matters!' declared Dr. Jaussi; 'the prevention [of cardiovascular diseases] must start as early as possible, as early as the school years. At present cardiovascular specialists have few opportunities to intervene at such an early age.'