A few simple tests at ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid will tell you if you are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Detect to protect. Screening saves lives.
When and where is the CV Health Check?
Get your CV Health Check in the ESC Exchange Area. No appointment is needed.
- Friday, 29 August: 09:00–17:00
- Saturday, 30 August: 09:00–17:00
- Sunday, 31 August: 09:00–17:00
Results
Your results will be available after 24 hours. You may get them online using an access code or you can pick up your results in the CV Health Check Area.
Once you have your results, help others by sharing the importance of implementing national cardiovascular health plans that include screening. Policy makers are listening – tell them you want #CVHealthForAll.
What is the CV Health Check?
The health check comprises several tests in two parts:
Blood pressure measurement
Blood draw
About the tests
To ensure an accurate measurement, you will need to rest for 10-15 minutes in the waiting area before the test.
A blood draw will be performed to test for the following risk factors:
- Lipids: measures the level of fat (cholesterol and triglycerides) LDL (“bad cholesterol”) HDL (“good cholesterol”) triglycerides and total cholesterol.
- HbA1c: measures average blood glucose levels in the blood for the last 2-3 months (no need to fast!)
- Lp(a): is low density lipoprotein variant containing a protein called apolipoprotein(a). Genetic and epidemiological studies have identified Lp(a) as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and related diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
- High Sensitivity Troponin I (hs-TnI) is a biomarker that detects even minor heart muscle injury, aiding early identification of cardiovascular risk and stratification. Elevated levels can indicate subclinical heart damage, even before symptoms appear.
- High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation that helps assess cardiovascular risk by identifying low-level chronic inflammation, a key factor in atherosclerosis. Elevated hs-CRP levels indicate a higher risk of heart disease and events.
- Serum creatinine is a key marker of kidney function, as elevated levels indicate impaired renal function, which is closely linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Chronic kidney disease can accelerate atherosclerosis and heart disease progression.
All tests will be compliant with testing standards and follow strict hygiene protocols.
Why do we want CV health checks for all?
CVD is the world’s number one killer, so it seems inconceivable that very few countries have a plan in place to tackle it. We know that many cardiovascular diseases are preventable.
Evidence shows that screening:
- leads to early detection, diagnosis and prevention
- helps clinicians support patients more effectively in adopting a proactive approach to their heart health
That is why the ESC is calling for policymakers everywhere to develop national cardiovascular health plans and make cardiovascular health checks part of them.
Spain is leading the way, but we still have far to go
This year, we have invited national and EU policymakers to ESC Congress to discuss cardiovascular health policy and see the CV Health Check Area – and how easy the tests are – for themselves.
Spain, the host country for this year's ESC Congress, has taken the lead as the first country in the European Union to develop a dedicated national cardiovascular health plan to improve cardiovascular health outcomes across the country.
The strategy focuses on primary prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, targeting risk factors like hypertension, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Together, we can make national cardiovascular health plans a reality everywhere and ensure that CV health checks are an integral part.
How the data will be used
An observational study using data collected during the CV Health Check will be carried out. The data will be used to produce a scientific publication that could provide valuable insights into cardiovascular health. We are fully committed to regulatory and ethical compliance and we ensure that this will be conducted in full compliance with applicable guidelines and best practices.
How to make screening possible for others
1. Share your experience
Show your support for investment in cardiovascular health checks by sharing your experience on your social media channels using #CVHealthForAll.
If you, and your patients, know screening is a simple way to support prevention, you can demand that your policy makers take action.
2. Sign the heart health petition
Please sign the World Heart Federation's global petition to prioritise heart health and call for national cardiovascular health plans. It takes less than a minute and every voice counts.
3. Use ESC Atlas to fuel action
Clear and easy-to-use data is available to support you in convincing your institution, budget owners, and policy makers that screening saves lives. The ESC Atlas of Cardiology contains a wealth of country-specific data, easily downloadable graphs and charts that will support your advocacy efforts at home.
Stop by the ESC Exchange Area to find out more about ESC Atlas.
Access ESC Atlas of Cardiology
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.