CHAPTER 3
Improving Health: The Heart of the Matter
Key Messages • Cardiovascular disease, neonatal mortality, and injuries account for a very high percentage of the gap in life expectancy between ECA and the EU-15. • A reduction in mortality due to cardiovascular disease and neonatal conditions has also been responsible for the majority of health gains in Western Europe over the past 50 years. Both prevention (especially smoking cessation) and treatment have been central to these successes. • Smoking prevalence is notably higher in ECA than in the EU-15, especially among men. But a larger share of smokers in ECA is also trying to quit. In some countries, binge drinking is also more common. • In most countries, there is widespread support for public health measures to help address tobacco and alcohol use; yet much can still be done to strengthen these policies. Public opinion is ahead of government 69
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