Pre-hospital care seems to be an area, where there is room for significant improvement; some countries seem to have got
their act together better than average.
The Euro Consumer Heart Index 2008 Report is the annual ranking of national heartcare in Europe from a consumer perspective. The report summarizes:
“In all fields of heart care there are huge variations in policy, resources and outcomes
around Europe. This very first Euro Consumer Heart Index shows:
• Though publicly advocating the importance of prevention, few governments and authorities take efficient action; in less than a third of the measured countries there is something similar to a national cardiac screening programme. Ambitions re exercise in compulsory school seem even lower.
• As indicated by the Heart Index in most countries assessed – also in “old EU” –there is massive under-treatment of heart patients with high levels of lipids. Furthermore, there seems to be a general lack of impact of treatment guidelines, raising important questions about how to implement best practice policy and about the costs (human, economic) of the present situation.
• Only few countries seem to offer efficient rehabilitation to heart patients. This means that many people cannot return to an active and productive life. Disregarding the human aspects; is this financially wise?”
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