EFPIA welcomes the forthcoming EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan which will deliver much-needed political momentum for improving health in Europe. The Plan should set out impactful, high-level targets and actions focused on reducing premature mortality and morbidity – developed and implemented with all stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals and industry.  

1 in 3 deaths in the EU are due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), with 20% of all premature deaths (before the age of 65) caused by cardiovascular conditions. In addition to the human suffering, cardiovascular disease is estimated to cost the European economy EUR282 billion each year. Prevention, early detection, timely intervention and long-term, person-centred management are essential for improving health outcomes and quality of life for patients, as well as underpinning much needed economic prosperity for Europe.  

Proposals for improved cardiovascular health 

To support the development of a robust EU CVH Plan, EFPIA and Vaccines Europe have published a position paper setting out detailed proposals for better cardiovascular health. It focuses on key goals in CVH and proposes concrete supportive actions required to turn aspiration into reality.  

“Thirteen million people are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease every year in Europe. A comprehensive EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, supported by the necessary resources, can deliver tangible improvement to people’s health and wellbeing,” said Nathalie Moll, Director General of EFPIA. “The EU should adopt a recommendation for Member States to introduce Cardiovascular Health Checks in primary care and support their implementation. These Checks must include screening for a wide range of cardiometabolic risk factors, including major risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. By taking a more proactive approach to prevention and early detection, we can push back the morbidity curve, ensuring that Europeans can live longer, healthier lives.”    

Key pillars of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan:  

• Investment in prevention and early detection: tackle root causes of heart disease before they manifest as serious conditions. 
  • Recommend and implement Cardiovascular Health Checks in primary care, enabling proactive screening and early diagnosis of disease. 
  • Enhance immunisation programmes to improve vaccine coverage rates and prevention of cardiovascular complications in at-risk populations.  
• Improved management and care for people living with CVD: ensure access to effective and people-centred prevention, treatment and management of patients at risk.  
• A supportive ecosystem for innovation and clinical trials: Foster an environment that encourages investment in innovation and streamlines regulatory processes. 
• Utilisation of data and digital health solutions: embrace advances in self-management, disease monitoring and treatment adherence to improve patient outcomes and experiences. 

Read the full proposal in our position paper and our submission to the EU consultation.