Kranskärlterritorium

Kranskärlterritorium (Swedish: "Kranskärlterritorium") is a proposed administrative region in northern Sweden that has been suggested as part of an innovative public health initiative focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention. The concept was first articulated by the Swedish National Institute for Health and Welfare in a 2021 policy brief, in which it was described as a "health-oriented territorial unit" designed to integrate medical, environmental and lifestyle data for more targeted interventions. The territory would encompass approximately 10,000 square kilometres, covering parts of the Västerbotten and Norrbotten counties, and would be populated by roughly 150,000 residents.

The governing structure of Kranskärlterritorium is intended to be a hybrid of local council representation and a specialized health advisory board. Officials would oversee regional health budgets, public‑space redesign to encourage physical activity, and the coordinating of telehealth services. Coordination with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency would facilitate broader access to preventive care, especially for high‑risk population groups such as smokers, obese individuals, and those with a family history of heart disease.

The economic emphasis of Kranskärlterritorium would be on sustainable development and health‑turism. The region seeks to leverage its northern light, extensive forests and close proximity to the Arctic Circle to promote outdoor recreation and restorative wellness therapies, reflecting the global trend toward holistic health strategies. While still in the proposal phase and without official legal standing, several municipalities have expressed interest in pilot projects that could eventually lead to formal recognition of Kranskärlterritorium as a distinct health district within Sweden.