The European Heart Network (EHN) has submitted its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the upcoming European Cardiovascular Health Plan.
EHN stresses that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain Europe’s leading cause of death and disability, costing the EU over €280 billion annually. The response highlights the urgent need for a coherent EU strategy to prevent premature deaths, reduce inequalities, and support patients.
EHN calls for EU-level action to make healthy choices more accessible and affordable. This includes harmonised front-of-pack nutrition labelling, stronger restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children, stricter tobacco and alcohol policies, sustainable food procurement, and improved air quality standards.
EHN emphasises the importance of access to holistic rehabilitation, digital continuity of care, and psychosocial support. Stronger patient representation in policy and research processes, as well as investment in health literacy and mental health, are also needed.
EHN calls for increased EU funding for CVD research, with a focus on prevention, early detection, paediatric CVD, sex- and age-specific factors, and inequalities. Investment in interoperable EU data platforms and predictable regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure timely access to life-saving innovations.
CVD disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups, including those with lower incomes, ethnic minorities, rural communities, women, and children. EU action must target social and structural determinants of health, support gender-sensitive approaches, and fund programmes in regions with the highest burden.
Feedback from: European Heart Network