Malta is ranked midway in a table of European countries rated for heart disease care and second among new EU member states.

The Euro Cardiovascular Healthcare Index, conducted by the Consumer Health Powerhouse, aims to provide a comparison of practices and standards for heart disease care from a consumer point of view across the 27 EU member states, Norway and Switzerland.

The Heart Index is constructed from public statistics and independent research.

Countries are assessed in terms of the provision of information, consumer rights and choice, access, prevention, procedures and outcomes and are marked out of 1,000.

Luxembourg leads with a score of 836 points, followed by France, Norway and Switzerland, with Malta scoring 670 points, ranking 15th of the 29 countries surveyed.

Arne Björnberg, research director for the Heart Index said: "Malta has an excellent access to care. The brand new state-of-the-art Mater Dei Hospital should provide the opportunity to attain world class standard but the results are not really visible yet".

The report concluded that patients seeking cardiovascular healthcare in Malta have the benefit of a good choice among healthcare professionals, with the island scoring top points in all indicators related to access to cardiovascular healthcare.

In addition, the island's agreement with the UK regarding the exchange of healthcare services was applauded as a good example of cross-border cooperation that should be implemented across Europe.

However, obesity across all age groups and a lack of exercise in Malta's school curriculum is still problematic.

The survey identified a strong need for Malta to look into acquiring some more up-to-date statistics with regard to the island's health.

For more information or to view the report one can visit www.healthpowerhouse.com/archives/cat_media_room.html . For more information about the Health Consumer Powerhouse visit www.healthpowerhouse.com. Alternatively call Kajsa Wilhelmsson on +32 (0)496-23 55 30.