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.
This campaign unites 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.
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 lending their voices to highlight crucial gaps in cardiovascular health and to call for ambitious EU policies.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
In this video, MEP Maria Walsh (EPP, Ireland) stresses that cardiovascular health is not only about physical care. Recovery from events such as heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac arrest also requires strong mental health and psychosocial support.
Too often, patients and their families are left to cope on their own. Walsh calls for the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan to close these gaps — by strengthening psychological care, community-based services, and support networks that help people reintegrate into daily life and reduce the risk of hospital readmission.
EU-level Food Policy and Cardiovascular Prevention
Awareness campaigns and advocacy are needed, especially for risk groups, to prevent heart and stroke diseases, highlight links between lifestyle and conditions like diabetes, and support coherent food policies across the EU.
MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP, Finland)
Rare Cardiovascular Diseases and the Life-Course Approach
Cardiovascular disease affects people throughout their lives, including children and young adults with rare conditions. Europe needs a bold Cardiovascular Health Plan that takes a life-course approach and strengthens research, diagnosis, and care for all.
MEP Elena Nevado del Campo (EPP, Spain)
