Key takeaways

  • A high‑level conference in Nicosia (18 February) highlighted how EU and national cardiovascular plans can be strengthened through AI and digital tools.
  • Experts stressed that trustworthy, well‑governed data is essential for AI to support prevention, early diagnosis, and integrated cardiovascular care.
  • Cyprus is finalising a National Cardiovascular Disease Strategy aligned with the EU Safe Hearts Plan, with a strong focus on prevention, equity, and digital innovation.

Nicosia, 18 February 2026 - EU and national cardiovascular health strategies took centre stage as policymakers, clinicians and experts gathered in Nicosia to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform cardiovascular prevention and care. Hosted under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and supported by the ESC, the conference examined both the opportunities and the barriers to adopting digital health solutions.

Opening the meeting, Cyprus’ Minister of Health, Neophytos Charalambides, underlined the wider societal importance of cardiovascular health: “The heart is more than an organ - it’s a symbol of life, resilience, and community. By safeguarding people’s health, we also safeguard our countries’ resilience.” Speakers highlighted the potential of validated, trustworthy AI tools to strengthen prevention, enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and support more efficient, integrated care. However, discussions repeatedly emphasised that impact depends on strong governance, harmonised datasets, transparency, and safeguards to build trust among clinicians and the public.

cyprus event.jpgProfessor Susanna Price, Chair of the ESC Advocacy Committee, stressed that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to health data: “A small amount of high‑quality data is far more valuable than large volumes in disconnected systems. Advanced analytics and AI offer huge opportunities, but they are only as reliable as the data and governance that underpin them.”

Cyprus prepares its CVD strategy for a digital future

Cyprus is currently finalising a National Cardiovascular Disease Strategy, at a time of growing momentum for cardiovascular health at both national and EU level. The Strategy, developed in collaboration with scientific societies, policymakers and government, aims to close the gap between policy ambition and implementation, particularly in prevention.

Kyriakos Yiangou.jpgAccording to Dr Kyriakos Yiangou, President of the Cyprus Society of Cardiology, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the country, despite progress in treatments and clinical guidelines. “We are not as effective as we should be in prevention,” he noted, highlighting the need for coordinated action and better implementation.
The Strategy is structured around four pillars:

  • prevention and early detection;
  • diagnosis and treatment;
  • rehabilitation; and
  • research, data collection and innovation.

AI and digital health tools are embedded within the Strategy, with a strong emphasis on data protection, transparency and the use of credible metrics to support planning, monitoring and early identification of at‑risk populations.

“AI will inevitably become part of cardiovascular prevention and care,” Dr Yiangou said. “Our task is to use it responsibly - to improve planning, reduce inequalities and shift the focus from treating disease to preventing it.”