The report of the cardiovascular health strategy group, Building Healthier Hearts, launched by the Taoiseach in July 1999, sets out an excellent blue print for tackling heart disease in Ireland in the long-term.
The cardiovascular health strategy addresses the common aspects of prevention of all cardiovascular diseases as well as the detection, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease. The overall aims identified by the strategy are to reduce the risk factor profile in the general population; detect those at high risk; deal effectively with those who have clinical disease; and ensure the best survival and quality of life.
When the strategy was launched a number of implementation structures were established at national and regional level. These included the heart health task force, the Advisory Forum on Cardiovascular Health and regional committees at health authority-board level. Through the prioritisation of the implementation for the strategy, as advised by the Advisory Forum on Cardiovascular Health, and work of other groups, a co-ordinated, systematic and sustainable approach to its implementation has been adopted.
In the first three years of the strategy, €45 million has been allocated to its implementation and has advanced the implementation in all sectors, including the hospital sector.