EHN’s Young Hearts was featured at the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety event marking European Youth Week at the European Parliament, contributing to an important discussion on how to strengthen cardiovascular health across Europe.
As part of the programme, EHN hosted a session titled “Young hearts, healthy futures: engaging youth in shaping Europe’s cardiovascular health priorities.” Moderated by EHN Patients and Research Manager Mehitabel Holler, the discussion was enriched by the contribution of a member of the Young Hearts group, who shared her lived experience of cardiovascular disease. Her testimony brought an important personal dimension to the debate and helped ground the policy discussion in the everyday realities faced by young people living with CVD. The session attracted strong interest and active participation, reflecting growing recognition that young people must be involved in shaping the future of cardiovascular health policy.
The discussion focused on how Europe can better respond to cardiovascular disease across the life course, with particular attention to the needs and experiences of young people. It explored key themes including prevention, early detection and screening, access to care, and the importance of supporting people beyond diagnosis. Participants highlighted that cardiovascular health is shaped early in life and that prevention must be embedded in the environments where young people live, learn, work and socialise.
A strong message emerging from the session was that health checks should not be seen as a standalone intervention, but as the starting point of a broader journey. Effective cardiovascular prevention and care require continued access to clear information, lifestyle support, follow-up services and mental health support. Participants also discussed how innovative approaches, such as community-based services, outreach initiatives and home testing, could help improve access while reducing pressure on already stretched healthcare systems.
The session also underlined the importance of ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in ongoing EU policy discussions, including the implementation of the European Cardiovascular Health Plan and preparations for the upcoming Council Recommendation on health checks.