Low physical activity is estimated to be responsible for 173 822 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the European Region every year (4% of all CVD deaths). It causes more deaths among the female population (111 283) than among the male population (62 539). Participation in regular physical activity is an effective way to protect your heart. It is never too late to start and any exercise is better than none – though more is better.
EHN recommends the EU invests in the development and approval of EU-funded projects that have a positive impact on active living.
Policymakers at EU, national, regional and local levels play an important role in improving the uptake of regular physical activity in the population. Yet policy measures to promote physical activity at a population level to prevent cardiovascular disease are under-used. To learn more, read EHN’s paper on physical activity below.