In our response to the EC’s Call for Evidence, we highlight key factors needed for a thriving European cardiovascular health R&I ecosystem.
We urgently need to address and bridge the current R&I gap in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention, diagnosis and treatment. There is vast potential in the use of digital technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, to advance research in cardiovascular health. Through these technologies, more personalised treatment approaches can be developed, and research into CVD disparities across diverse population groups, including women and different ethnic communities, can be facilitated. Cardiovascular diseases disproportionately affect socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, which is why equity and inclusivity must be at the Plan’s core. The Plan must also raise public awareness around cardiovascular health. Interdisciplinary research is essential to identify and characterise additional risk factors which can address, for example, unhealthy behaviours.
People’s well-being is a value in itself, but also an important prerequisite for enhancing the EU’s competitiveness. The EU can provide a framework for coordination and cooperation among Member States, ensuring that best practices are shared and resources are optimally allocated. They should focus on harmonising GDPR implementation and reducing existing bottlenecks to facilitate research collaboration.
The Plan should align with the Global Health Strategy from 2022 and reinforce the EU Global Gateway through its health and research and education pillars, as a globally inclusive understanding of cardiovascular diseases is imperative for Europe.
A multisectoral approach is recommended to address key risk factors. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework will determine the Plan’s impact. We call for the inclusion of validated and internationally recognised research-based indicators, as well as the use of representative longitudinal datasets, to track health outcomes, innovation uptake, and reductions in inequalities.
29 September - World Heart Day
World Heart Day is organised by the World Heart Foundation on 29 September. The goal is to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases and how individuals and governments can work together to make equitable heart health a priority. This year’s theme is “Don’t Miss a Beat”, which refers to people around the world missing out on time with their loved ones due to early and preventable loss caused by CVD, the world’s biggest killer.
Discover the Non-Communicable Diseases and Multimorbidity Africa-Europe CoRE
We are very supportive of the EU prioritising an area of concern to all European citizens, and to populations worldwide. Through the EU’s development of a comprehensive cardiovascular health plan the EU can articulate real added value. But for this, we not only need a strategy that overcomes geographical, sectoral, and scientific boundaries. We also need to see a commitment to implementation, by relevant actors at the EU and national levels.
Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General of The Guild