European experts have called on the public to ensure they know what puts them at risk of heart disease.
"Know your risks" was the theme of World Heart Day yesterday amid concern that not enough emphasis is placed on the link between lifestyle and heart disease.
The European Society of Cardiology said its recent annual conference had highlighted the problems – showing that good primary care can improve lifestyle and reduce risk.
Researcher Professor David Woods said: "The vast majority of high risk patients in Europe are not provided with a professional lifestyle and risk factor management programme.
"Yet the evidence for such programmes shows that such systematic care improves lifestyle and reduces the prevalence of these risk factors."
The organisation published new guidelines last year seeking to strengthen the emphasis on exercise, weight, lifestyle and avoiding tobacco.
The guidelines have been translated into 18 languages.
It called for GPs and nurses to have an increased involvement in improving patients’ lifestyles.
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