Cholesterol: The overlooked chronic disease

According to a 2011 report by the Cardiovascular Resource Group, 133.3 million people in the five biggest EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK) suffer from too much bad cholesterol, comparable to the overall number in the United States (135.1 million). Statistics in the report show that the numbers have grown steadily over the past years.

Cholesterol is fat produced by the liver, which is carried in the blood by molecules, and increases the risks of heart disease and stroke. The EU says that six of the seven biggest risk factors for premature death – blood pressure, cholesterol, Body Mass Index, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity and alcohol abuse – relate to how we eat, drink and move. In response, the EU published a strategy on nutrition, overweight and obesity-related health issues.

ESO: Background information: White Paper on a Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues http://www.europeansources.info/record/white-paper-on-a-strategy-for-europe-on-nutrition-overweight-and-obesity-related-health-issues/

ESO: Background information: Tackling Chronic Diseases in the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/tackling-chronic-diseases-in-the-eu-special-reports/

EurActiv, 13.02.15: MEPs highlight weakness of EU cholesterol strategy http://www.euractiv.com/sections/health-consumers/meps-highlight-weakness-eu-cholesterol-strategy-312077

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