EU launches Safe Hearts Plan to tackle cardiovascular disease across Europe
The European Commission has published the EU Safe Hearts Plan, its first coordinated strategy dedicated to improving cardiovascular health across Member States. With cardiovascular disease (CVD) remaining the leading cause of death in Europe, the Plan sets an ambitious goal to reduce premature mortality from CVD by 25% by 2035.
The initiative marks a significant shift towards a more preventive, system-wide approach to heart health. It calls on all Member States to establish or strengthen national cardiovascular strategies by 2027, aligned with a common EU framework that spans prevention, early detection, treatment and long-term care.
A central pillar of the Plan is prevention. Policymakers are placing renewed emphasis on tackling modifiable risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption, alongside efforts to create healthier environments through public policy. The Plan also introduces a life-course approach, aiming to identify and manage cardiovascular risk earlier and more consistently across populations.
Early detection is another key focus, with the development of an EU-wide approach to cardiovascular health checks expected to support more systematic screening and risk assessment. This includes greater attention to lipid management and inherited cardiovascular conditions, supported by the growing use of digital tools and health data.
On the treatment side, the Plan aims to improve access to high-quality, evidence-based care and strengthen care pathways, including rehabilitation and long-term disease management. It also highlights the role of innovation, with increased support for digital health solutions and data-driven care models.
For healthcare professionals, the Safe Hearts Plan signals a shift towards more proactive and structured cardiovascular care. Earlier identification of at-risk patients, increased use of standardised screening approaches, and more personalised treatment strategies are expected to become central to clinical practice. The Plan also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and a stronger focus on addressing inequalities in care.
Overall, the EU Safe Hearts Plan represents a major step towards a more preventive and coordinated approach to cardiovascular health, with clinicians playing a critical role in translating policy into improved patient outcomes.