EHN and ESO Call for a European Life-Course Action Plan for Cardiovascular and Brain Health

At the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen, the European Heart Network (EHN) and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) jointly submitted and presented a statement in support of WHO/Europe’s vision of lifelong health, from the first heartbeat to healthy ageing.

EHN and ESO highlight that cardiovascular disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death and disability in Europe, yet most cases are preventable. They call for a coordinated, equitable, and life-course approach to cardiovascular and brain health, aligned with WHO/Europe strategies on Child and Adolescent Health and Healthy Ageing.

To advance this vision, EHN and ESO urge European and national leaders to:

• Cut strokes by 15% and ensure 90% of patients are treated in dedicated stroke units
• Adopt national cardiovascular and stroke plans covering the full chain of care, from prevention to life after the acute event
• Invest in research, digital innovation, and equitable access to care
• Strengthen tobacco, alcohol, and nutrition regulation
• Fund interoperable data systems to track outcomes and inequalities

EHN and ESO stand ready to work with WHO/Europe, the European Commission, and Member States to develop a European Life-Course Action Plan ensuring that everyone in Europe can be born healthy, live well, and age with a healthy heart and brain.