Bayer HealthCare and SAFE call for cardiovascular disease action

Bayer HealthCare has teamed up with the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) to underline the critical importance of tackling the challenges posed by cardiovascular disease head on.

Ahead of Move for Health Day on May 10th 2013 and European Stroke Day on May 14th, the organisations have called for a unified global approach to addressing an increasingly prevalent condition that is already the leading cause of death worldwide.

During a recent debate initiated by SAFE and Bayer HealthCare, international experts said policymakers, national stroke organisations, research institutions, healthcare professionals and industry all need to be involved in this fight.

Cardiovascular disease is expected to account for 23.6 million deaths annually by 2030, with coronary heart disease and stroke being the most common problems.

Dr Frank Misselwitz, head of cardiology and coagulation at Bayer HealthCare, said: "Improving the health outcomes of those affected by cardiovascular disease is of the utmost importance – however, it will require everybody to work together."

This week, the company also announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer for the healthcare company Conceptus, a takeover deal for which was agreed last month.