Heart disease and stroke share many of the same risk factors and often co-occur. Together, they are the leading cause of death in the EU, with substantial economic and societal impacts.

The European Commission is currently preparing an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, expected in December 2025. This is a unique opportunity to shape Europe’s response to its leading cause of death.

The European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), together with Members of the European Parliament from the Cardiovascular Health Group are calling for this plan to be bold, coordinated, and equitable, with a strong focus on prevention, treatment, innovation, and fair access to care for all people across Europe.

On this page, you can watch campaign videos, hear from MEPs, explore upcoming events, and access resources that show how we can make a difference together.

The campaign aims to highlight the commonalities and intersections between heart disease and stroke, showcasing EACH as a powerful alliance that unites leading experts and partners in both fields, and uniting World Heart Day (29 September) and World Stroke Day (29 October) under one shared message:

The challenge is one, and so must be our response.

EACH Partners Join Forces for Cardiovascular Health

In this video, EACH partners unite their voices to highlight the urgent need for a bold, coordinated EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Together, they stress the shared risks and impacts of heart disease and stroke, and call for prevention, innovation, and equitable access to care across Europe.

Watch EACH partners call for prevention, equity & innovation in cardiovascular health.

Voices from the European Parliament: support from the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Cardiovascular Health Group are key allies in the call for stronger EU action on cardiovascular health. On this occasion, they are drawing attention to highlight crucial gaps in cardiovascular health and to call for ambitious EU policies.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Rare Cardiovascular Diseases and the Life-Course Approach

Events

25 September 2025 – High-level event at the European Parliament, Brussels (and online)
Cardiovascular Prevention as the Cornerstone of a Competitive Europe – Scaling Up Lipid Screening to Secure Next Generations
Organised by FH Europe Foundation and co-hosted by MEP Romana Jerković (Chair of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group) and MEP Tomislav Sokol (SANT Committee on Public Health).
See the programme and register here

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29 September 2025 – World Heart Day Events

Stakeholders webinar on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan by the European Commission

• 14:10 Video message from the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare
• 14:15 Preliminary results of the Call for Evidence
• 14:30 Discussion on key themes of the EU plan
  Register here

Gala event in Bucharest
Hosted by the Ministry of Health, Romanian Cardiac Society, and the Romanian Heart Foundation, celebrating the adoption of the Romanian Cardiovascular Health Plan into legislation.

Heart to Heart: Driving Change for Better Cardiovascular Health – Zagreb
Initiated by MEP Romana Jerković, Chair of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, in collaboration with EACH. This event will focus on testing and policy dialogue to mark World Heart Day.

• Location: EU Representation Office in Croatia
• Date and time: 29 September 2025, 10:00 – 12:15 CET
• Audience: 50–70 participants, including EACH partners’ local affiliates, national policymakers, patient groups, and health policy stakeholders
• Language: Croatian
• Format: Panel discussions followed by cardiovascular health checks
• The event agenda will be made available soon.

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14 October 2025 – European Parliament, Brussels
Closing the Gaps in Stroke Care: A Call to Action for Europe
Organised by the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO), this event will take place in the lead-up to World Stroke Day, putting stroke at the heart of the forthcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

• Time: 15:00–16:30 CET
• Location: European Parliament, Room 1E1, Spinelli Building, Brussels
• Hosted by: MEP Romana Jerković and MEP Billy Kelleher

Resources

A European Cardiovascular Health Plan: The Roadmap

In April 2025, the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) launched its new publication: A European Cardiovascular Health Plan: The Roadmap.

The Roadmap sets out a bold vision: to reduce premature and preventable deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe by one third by 2030. Achieving this requires coordinated action on prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation, supported by EU-wide and national policy measures.

It outlines key pillars for the future EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, including prevention (primordial, primary, and secondary), early intervention, rehabilitation, and quality of life. Concrete proposals include a European Cardiovascular Health Check, a CVH Knowledge Centre, a Health Observatory, digital innovation, national action plans, and a dedicated research agenda to ensure evidence-based, person-centred care across Europe.

The European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) is delighted to invite you to SAVE-THE-DATE to join us in Brussels on 10-11 December 2025 for the EACH Cardiovascular Health Summit, with Secretariat provided by the European Society of Cardiology.

We warmly welcome health stakeholders and national representatives to take part in this inaugural Summit where you will have the chance to meet with Members of European Parliament from your country, hear best practices regarding implementation of national action plans, learn the latest science behind emerging trends in cardiovascular risk and prevention, hear from patients and lived experiences, and dig into the latest news around the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. Join us for an interactive, immersive and unforgettable policy experience!

Preview below our draft programme:

Stay tuned to the EACH LinkedIn page and website for registration details early October.

Hope to see you there!

11 August, 2025 – Brussels

The European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) welcomes
the European Commission’s recent publication of the proposal for the Multiannual
Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. The new budgetary framework presents a
critical opportunity to strengthen the European Union’s commitment to addressing
cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in Europe.

Brussels, 4 May –

More than 1.4 billion people worldwide are living with elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], an inherited, independent cardiovascular risk factor strongly linked to heart attacks, strokes, aortic stenosis, and premature cardiovascular events. Yet, only 1–2% of the population is tested. This staggering gap leaves millions vulnerable around the world and makes elevated Lp(a) one of the most under-recognised threats in global heart health.

The Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a) Testing and Management was co-created by the Lp(a) International Task Force, chaired by Prof. Florian Kronenberg, and global leaders at a Lp(a) Global Summit, held in Brussels, on March 24-25, 2025.

The Declaration presents a shared global vision for equitable, systematic Lp(a) testing and care integration in efforts to prevent cardiovascular disease and instead to promote cardiovascular health. It presents five clear, actionable asks for governments, health systems, and global institutions. It is designed to align with and strengthen international CVD prevention strategies across the globe, including efforts like the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, the European Health Data Space, and emerging national cardiovascular health plans.

Brussels, 30 May and 16 June –

The European Cardiovascular Health Alliance (EACH) is launching a special series of public advocacy webinars to empower patients, advocates, and the wider community, kindly hosted by FH Europe Foundation. Hear directly from the person who led the efforts towards the Council Conclusions on the Improvement of Cardiovascular Health in the EU adopted in December 2024, Ms Kitti Almer, the Hungarian Public Health Attaché, who will be joined by representatives of EACH.

Learn how the new EU Council Conclusions and the forthcoming European Cardiovascular Health Plan can drive better prevention, care, and research for cardiovascular diseases. Discover how you can engage policymakers, influence national health strategies, and turn policy into action. Featuring top EU health experts, policymakers, and patient voices, these dynamic sessions will give you the knowledge and tools to be part of Europe’s next major health transformation. Don’t miss this opportunity to be heard – and to shape the future of cardiovascular health across Europe!

This webinar will be run live twice to allow more chances to join and ask your questions. Please share with your networks!

Date option 1 – 30 May – REGISTRATION

Date option 2 – 16 June – REGISTRATION

Brussels, 23 April – Today, during the first meeting of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group at the European Parliament, the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) is launching its new publication: A European Cardiovascular Health Plan: The Roadmap.

The roadmap sets out a bold vision: to reduce premature and preventable deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe by one third by 2030. Achieving this requires coordinated action on prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation, supported by EU-wide and national policy measures.

The Roadmap outlines key pillars for the future EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, including prevention (primordial, primary, and secondary), early intervention, rehabilitation, and quality of life. It proposes concrete actions such as a European Cardiovascular Health Check, a CVH Knowledge Centre, and a Health Observatory. It also calls for digital innovation, national action plans, and a dedicated research agenda to support evidence-based, person-centred care across Europe.

Inclusion and equity must be at the core of a European Cardiovascular Health Plan:

The success and impact of the European CVH Action Plan will be shaped not only
by what is achieved over the next few years, but also by how it is achieved, leaving
no-one and no country behind. The Plan must address societal barriers, underserved
populations, discrimination on all grounds, and fundamental inequalities pervading
health systems across Europe.

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the EU, accounting for 36% of all deaths and affecting 62 million people across the region.

Brussels, 17 April –

A significant step forward in addressing the leading cause of death in Europe is set to take place with the official launch of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group in the European Parliament. Chaired by MEP Romana Jerković (S&D, Croatia), this cross-party group is poised to place prevention and tackling of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the forefront of the EU’s health agenda.

Read the press release below:

Brussels, 9 April –

Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfar Mr Oliver Várhelyi welcomed a delegation from European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) to discuss concrete avenues for cooperation on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

The EACH delegation brought together key voices from across the cardiovascular community:
🔹 Arlene Wilkie – representing patient associations
🔹 Andrea Rappagliosi – representing the industry via MedTech Europe
🔹 Prof. Thomas F. Lüscher – clinical representative from the EACH Secretariat

At the heart of the discussion was a shared commitment to ensuring that the upcoming EU plan is shaped through collaboration between patients, clinicians, and industry. The meeting underlined the importance of partnership, alignment, and joint action in tackling the growing burden of cardiovascular disease and building a healthier future for all Europeans.

Brussels, 23 April –

EACH is delighted to be supporting an informal interest group in the Parliament, the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, Chaired by MEP Romana Jerkovic (S&D, Croatia). The group will kick-off with a first meeting on 23 April, 10:00 – 11:30 in the European Parliament where MEPs will have the chance to meet partners of EACH, hear more on the work programme for the year, and partake in the launch of a new publication by the Alliance, “A European Cardiovascular Health Plan: The Roadmap“.

Places will be limited to attend in person, but you can also follow along online via the livestream link below:

https://europeanparliament.webex.com/europeanparliament/j.php?MTID=m58ab12acc65cc6d6bf69c4edf370e499

Webinar number: 2744 504 8128

Please contact the Secretariat for more information: each@escardio.org

Brussels, 24 March – One in five people globally—over 1.4 billion individuals—are living with elevated Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a significant, yet widely undetected inherited cardiovascular risk factor. Despite its clear link to premature heart attacks, strokes, and aortic stenosis, only 1%-2% of the population is tested, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable, life-threatening cardiovascular events.

The economic and healthcare burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is staggering, with CVD costing the EU €282 billion annually[1]. Of this, €155 billion (55%) is spent on health and long-term care, accounting for 11% of total EU health expenditure. Productivity losses contribute €48 billion (17%), while informal care costs amount to €79 billion (28%). The economic impact translates to an average cost of €630 per person, with national variations ranging from €381 in Cyprus to €903 in Germany. Within these costs, coronary heart disease accounts for 27% (€77 billion), and cerebrovascular diseases account for 27% (€76 billion). These figures underline the urgent need for improved early detection and prevention strategies.

To address this urgent public health crisis, 50 leading global experts, policymakers, and patient representatives will convene for the first-ever Global Summit on Elevated Lp(a), coinciding with Lp(a) Awareness Day. This landmark event, hosted under the patronage of the Polish EU Presidency, is a direct response to growing EU and international commitments to tackle cardiovascular disease through prevention, early detection, and data-driven healthcare policies[2]. EACH is proud to partner on this event.

A Policy-Driven Scientific Summit to Address Lp(a) as a Public Health Priority

Living with elevated Lp(a) presents a significant emotional and practical burden for affected individuals and their families. Recent research highlights that many people with high Lp(a) levels only learn about their condition after experiencing a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, or due to a family history of cardiovascular disease. Despite medical guidelines advocating once-in-a-lifetime Lp(a) testing, many healthcare professionals are hesitant to test, often citing the lack of approved Lp(a)-lowering therapies. Patients and caregivers report frustration with the inconsistent and conflicting lifestyle advice they receive, with many feeling that their condition is largely invisible to the public and under-recognized by the medical community. The psychological impact of living with an increased, yet poorly understood, cardiovascular risk is significant, with many expressing anxiety, helplessness, and a desire for clearer, more structured medical guidance and emotional support. Patient Ambassadors underscore the urgent need to integrate Lp(a) testing into routine cardiovascular risk assessments and provide comprehensive support for those affected.[3]

Despite scientific consensus on the importance of once-in-a-lifetime Lp(a) testing[4], testing rates remain critically low due to a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, as well as systemic barriers within health systems, including financial disincentives for preventive testing. There is also a misconception that testing is unnecessary in the absence of approved Lp(a)-specific therapies. Missed opportunities to leverage global risk management strategies further exacerbate the failure to prevent early cardiovascular events.

EU Leadership in Advancing Cardiovascular Health & EHDS Alignment

This Summit aligns with the EU’s emerging health policy developments, including the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and the recent Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health (December 2024), which emphasize the integration of cardiovascular disease risk assessments into national health policies, systematic data collection on CVD risk factors, including Lp(a), for better prevention and care, and investment in precision medicine and digital health tools to improve early detection and patient outcomes. The Summit will reinforce Lp(a) testing as a cornerstone of effective, personalized cardiovascular prevention, ensuring that health systems shift from reactive disease treatment to proactive and preventive health management.

Summit Highlights & Key Policy Announcements

A major highlight of the Summit will be the unveiling of the International Cost-Effectiveness Study on Lp(a) Testing, led by Prof. Zanfina Ademi (Monash University). This study provides irrefutable evidence that Lp(a) testing is economically viable and cost-effective, reinforcing its necessity as part of standard CVD risk assessment. Another key outcome will be the launch of the Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a), a policy blueprint outlining concrete steps for governments, policymakers, and health systems to implement routine Lp(a) testing. The Declaration is expected to be endorsed by leading global cardiovascular and patient advocacy organizations and serve as a reference for future cardiovascular health policies at the national, European, and international levels.

The Summit will be hosted by MEP Romana Jerkovic, Vice-Chair of the SANT Committee on Public Health and Chair of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, alongside MEP Adam Jarubas, Chair of the SANT Committee, and MEP András Kulja, with a welcome address from EU Commissioner for Health, Olivér Várhelyi, who has been invited.

A Multisectoral Call to Action

This unprecedented Summit is a flagship initiative of the Lp(a) International Taskforce, chaired by Prof. Florian Kronenberg (Austria), a lead author of the EAS Consensus Paper on Lp(a) Testing, and is organized by the FH Europe Foundation, an umbrella patient organization dedicated to inherited lipid conditions and cardiovascular risk factors. Leading scientific, advocacy, and patient organizations backing the Summit include the World Heart Federation (WHF), the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), the Global Heart Hub, the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS).

A Paradigm Shift: From Cardiovascular Disease to Cardiovascular Health

This Summit marks a seismic shift from merely treating cardiovascular disease to proactively safeguarding cardiovascular health. It is an opportunity for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and patient organizations to ensure that preventable heart disease remains preventable.

Voices from the Summit

Prof. Florian Kronenberg, Chair of the Lp(a) International Taskforce, emphasized that “This Summit unites scientific, political, and advocacy leaders to ensure that Lp(a) testing becomes a global standard. We must not only normalize testing but also support individuals in managing their health effectively.” Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe Foundation, added that “The Summit sets a powerful precedent. It amplifies the voices of people living with elevated Lp(a) and solidifies their role in shaping policies. The launch of the Brussels Declaration is just the beginning—our goal is to secure systematic Lp(a) testing and risk-based cardiovascular prevention for all.”

Summit Funding & Support

The work of the Lp(a) International Taskforce and the 1st Global Lp(a) Summit is supported through a collaborative effort, driven by the dedication of passionate experts, volunteers, and advocates who generously contribute their time, knowledge, and expertise as in-kind support and by funding from Amgen, Novartis, Roche Diagnostics, and Silence Therapeutics, in line with FHEF’s framework for cooperation with industry.

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Further Information & Media Contact

For media inquiries, contact

Magdalena Daccord,

CEO, FH Europe Foundation

lpaglobalsummit@fheurope.org .

More details about:

• Lp(a) Global Summit: https://fhef.org/lpa-globalsummit/
• Lp(a) International Taskforce: https://fhef.org/lpa-international-taskforce/
• FH Europe Foundation: www.fhef.org

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[1] Economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in the European Union: a population-based cost study, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37632363/

[2] Conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health in the European Union, 2024.12.03 – https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15315-2024-INIT/en/pdf

[3] Living with Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels: The Experiences of Patients and Caregivers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40008374/

[4] Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis: a European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36036785/

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