EU Health Ministers are meeting in Cork today to discuss possible approaches to tackling and preventing cardiovascular disease and to promoting heart health in Europe.
The meeting, hosted by Ireland under the Irish Presidency of the European Union, also heard of possible future approaches to tackling and preventing cardiovascular disease and to promoting heart health.
The Minister for Health, Mr Martin said European Countries and the United States hold common concerns, goals and objectives "in the area of health promotion generally, and in promoting better heart health."
He said: "The health care systems and citizens of Europe and the United States of America could benefit from the sharing of common experiences, of research, and exchange of best practices in the approach to tackling and preventing cardiovascular disease and promoting heart health."
Effective prevention and treatment reduces mortality from cardiovascular disease and successfully contributes to an increased life expectancy for populations in general.
Cardiovascular disease is the largest cause of sickness and morbidity for the citizens of the European Union and of the United States of America.
Mr Tommy Thompson, the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the United States of America who also attended the meeting made a presentation on Cardiovacular health and obesity.