Public Health
Informing EU policy, advancing national cardiovascular health plans and addressing critical challenges
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From news and statements to our latest events, it's all right here
Cardiovascular health check initiative aims to screen 1,300 participants over four days
For the third year running, ESC Congress delegates can receive a personalised cardiovascular health assessment. By combining risk screening with real-world data collection, the programme showcases the potential of accessible health checks to support earlier detection, prevention, and screening across Europe.
Policy matters: Pushing back against 'novel' tobacco and nicotine products
Tobacco control policies supported by the ESC have helped cut tobacco use in Europe from nearly 40% in 2002 to 24% in 2023. But new products such as vapes and snus are raising concerns. While often marketed as safer alternatives, Prof. Paul Dendale highlights that their health risks should not be underestimated.
Latvia leads the way with its national CV health plan
Latvia provides a compelling example of how the ambitions of the EU Safe Hearts Plan can be translated into concrete national action. Cardiologists in the country have played a central role in shaping a new CV health plan, which will run until 2027.
CARDIOCARE – protecting hearts of older women with breast cancer from treatment cardiotoxicity
CARDIOCARE project celebrates major advances in protecting the heart health of older patients with breast cancer at risk of cardiotoxicity from cancer treatment.
A shared mission for global cardiovascular health
Improving heart health on a population-wide scale
At the European Society of Cardiology, we are united by a shared mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) – the number one cause of death globally.
We translate cutting-edge science, real-world data and clinical expertise into meaningful action, while championing prevention, equity and healthier communities. Through public health research, data collection and clinical registries, we work to ensure that every person can live a longer, healthier life.
Together with our partners, we shape EU policy, advance national cardiovascular health plans and address critical challenges such as gender equality, geographic inclusion, sustainability and the responsible use of AI in heart care.
The EU Cardiovascular Health Plan
Sharing independent, trustworthy evidence and uniting voices
Alongside our partners, we have been advocating for cardiovascular health for all at a European level for more than a decade.
Sharing independent, trustworthy evidence and uniting the voices of clinicians, researchers and patients to inspire political action.
In a historic milestone, the European Commission launched the first-ever Safe Hearts Plan, marking a major step forward in protecting the heart health of every European citizen. We are proud to have contributed to this plan, as well as driving progress for national cardiovascular health plans to meet the specific needs of countries across Europe.
Join us as we continue the journey toward implementing this landmark plan, ensuring its impact reaches communities across Europe.
Our Priorities
We believe that cardiovascular health is a right – not a privilege.
Our priorities reflect our commitment
Preventing disease, closing and tackling inequalities across gender and geography, and promoting the responsible use of digital health and AI to improve patient outcomes ethically and effectively.
We also work to safeguard health technologies through sound regulation so patients can benefit from safe, timely innovations. Understanding that a healthy planet is essential for healthy hearts, we champion sustainability across policy, practice and within our own organisation.
Explore how we’re building a healthier, more equitable and more sustainable future for every heart.
Public health in action
To improve heart health for everyone, we turn evidence into action.
Our public health initiatives are grounded in evidence-based data.
Strengthened by collaborative public health partnerships and brought to life through interactive workshops and events with a wide range of stakeholders.
By sharing facts and figures, co-creating solutions and engaging across sectors, we drive meaningful change – reducing inequalities, informing policy and advancing cardiovascular health on a population-wide scale.
