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AHA: Heart disease prevention a good investment
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Investing in heart disease prevention can benefit the nation’s health, as well as the nation’s budget, according to a policy statement from the American Heart Association.
AHA researchers said every dollar spent on building trails for walking or biking saves $3 in health care costs. Also, companies investing in comprehensive wellness programs have less absenteeism and increased productivity, and a nationwide plan to reduce salt intake could reduce high BP incidence by one-quarter and reduce the burden on the health care system by as much as $26 billion.
The AHA urged changes at the public policy level that would, in turn, filter through communities. Programs to reduce smoking, tax tobacco and limit smoking in public places should be adequately funded, as should programs focusing on physical education and healthy meals in schools. Neighborhood shops should be encouraged to carry fresh fruits and vegetables, and communities should be pedestrian- and biker-friendly.
Moreover, programs to reduce health care disparities also should be implemented.
According to the AHA statement, public policy can affect the nation’s health, contrary to those policymakers who said health is an individual responsibility. In light of this, the AHA challenged the medical and research communities to continue to provide compelling evidence that investments in the nation’s health — particularly in preventive CV services — are paying dividends in reducing morbidity and mortality, as well as the health care budget.
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