DALLAS, Sept. 19, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of the U.S. delegation at this week's United Nations summit on non-communicable diseases, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are urging nations to formulate strong plans to take on the world's most significant health challenge.
"It's clear that every country is battling the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, with cardiovascular diseases leading the way," said American Heart Association President Gordon Tomaselli, M.D. "A high priority for us at this summit is to elevate the patient and survivor voice that personalizes the staggering statistics, and to infuse hope in the UN assembly hall."
During the summit Monday and Tuesday– only the second UN meeting to focus on a global disease issue – world leaders plan to agree to specific actions to fight a global epidemic of four leading non-communicable diseases, or NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes.
Cardiovascular diseases are the world's No. 1 killer. The four major NCDs cause 60 percent of all global deaths, including four out of every five deaths in low and middle-income countries. Fourteen million of the 35 million NCD deaths each year could be prevented or delayed if stronger action were taken.
The American Heart Association, the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, has acquired knowledge that can help accelerate solutions and policies. The association offers decades of experience in research, education, community programs, and scientific and medical training designed to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association has set a goal by 2020 to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.
"The American Heart Association commits to creating a world free of cardiovascular diseases and we hope to leave New York reinvigorated to do our part to make this a reality," said Tomaselli.
More than 27,000 clinicians and researchers make up American Heart Association professional membership. Also known for its consumer educational campaigns, the association supports an aggressive strategy to reach and educate communities around the country.
Massive public education is important in parts of the world where fatalistic myths exist are associated with NCDs. One of the association's most well-known consumer campaigns, Go Red For Women, is one example showing promise in reaching out to women about the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases and stroke and equipping them with knowledge on preventive measures they can take to improve their health.
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About the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.
CONTACT FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Diana Vaca McGhie
202-785-7917