Everyone is at risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD can be caused by non-modifiable risk factors such as genetic make-up, age and gender of the individual, as well as by biological conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Behavioural factors, including unhealthy diet, smoking, stress and lack of physical activity also play a role in increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease is often seen as a condition affecting older people, but it also impacts many young people. Across Europe, those living with congenital, inherited, or early-onset CVD are too often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and gaps in care. Raising awareness and ensuring early detection in younger populations is essential to improve outcomes and support lifelong cardiovascular health.
Being diagnosed with CVD or suffering a stroke can be frightening and overwhelming for anyone, including family members. Today, however, with the support of healthcare professionals, cardiac and stroke rehabilitation programmes, appropriate medical treatment and digital technologies, people can continue to live active and productive lives.
Almost half of EHN members work directly with patients at national level, with a combined outreach of over 2 million patients and carers across Europe.
Together, we work to improve quality of life, strengthen care, and ensure that patients’ voices shape policies and healthcare at both national and European levels. We do this by:
If you are living with CVD and would like support or more information, you can contact one of our member organisations. Contact details are available in our Members section.
EHN develops initiatives that place patients at the heart of cardiovascular policy, advocacy, and research across Europe, strengthening patient and public involvement in shaping decisions that affect their lives.
A network of European cardiovascular disease patient advocates and consultants, national heart foundations, and patient organisations advancing cardiovascular health policy in Europe through advocacy initiatives, training, and peer-to-peer learning.
Key initiatives of the EHN Patient Network include:
In 2024, EHN held its first Patient Advocacy Workshop in Brussels, bringing together CVD patients and advocates from across Europe to strengthen the patient voice in cardiovascular policy.
A practical resource empowering people living with cardiovascular disease to advocate for better care and policies.
Launched for Heart Failure Awareness Days 2025, it brings together patient advocates and MEPs to call for stronger, patient-centred cardiovascular health policies across Europe.
Young people living with cardiovascular disease face distinct and often overlooked challenges, affecting education, work, mental health, and transitions in care.
To address this, EHN created the Young Hearts Task Force, bringing together young people from across Europe to ensure their experiences inform patient-centred policies, research, and healthcare. Young members contribute by sharing their experiences, identifying gaps in care, and co-creating solutions that reflect the realities of living with CVD at a young age.
Key initiatives of the EHN Young Hearts Task Force include:
EHN’s policy recommendations developed with and by young patients to translate lived experience into concrete action.
EHN works on EU policy priorities that address key aspects of life with cardiovascular disease, from access to treatment to long-term care and innovation.
EHN advocates for equal access to vital medical devices for cardiovascular patients across Europe, helping to protect patients’ health and support healthcare systems.
EHN promotes policies that improve long-term recovery, quality of life, and support for people living with cardiovascular disease.
EHN advocates for public investment in digital solutions that improve diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular disease, ensuring equitable access for all patients.
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