Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the main cause of death and a major cause of disability in Europe. It is estimated that 80% can be prevented. Small reductions in incidence and mortality lead to large health gains and reductions in direct and indirect health care costs. CVD costs the EU economy € 192 billion every year and it is the main contributor to inequalities in health. Health gains will particularly benefit less-advantaged groups. The EuroHeart II project will report on and analyse the current situation with regard to cardiovascular and circulatory diseases in the EU. The project will allow a strategic approach that will also help addressing other non-communicable diseases. The project will provide outputs that can be used to develop Community initiatives to promote cardiovascular health.  The EuroHeart II project recieves co-funding from the European Union in the framework of  the Health programme.