The Federal Chamber of Representatives voted on January 23 to adopt a resolution on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The resolution was adopted by a majority of 112 votes, with 20 representatives choosing to abstain. One of the key elements of the resolution is a call to develop a comprehensive cardiovascular plan, with a particular emphasis on addressing atherosclerotic disease. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in Belgium, affecting over 750,000 people and claiming nearly 30,000 lives annually.
The first iteration of the resolution was already tabled in August 2024. After five months of negotiations in the Parliamentary Commission for Health, the resolution was sent to the Plenary session last week.
The resolution emphasised the gender disparities associated with cardiovascular disease in Belgium. Specifically, it includes a call for more research on ASCVD in women, as they experience different (sometimes atypical) symptoms than men, have higher mortality rates than men, and are less often included in clinical trials. The resolution urges the federal government to collaborate with regional entities to develop a cardiovascular plan addressing ASCVD.
The plan should focus on prevention (both primary and secondary), early detection, public awareness campaigns, and screening. Twenty recommendations are formulated, ranging from improving public awareness about cardiovascular risk factors and genetics, particularly among vulnerable populations and developing guidelines for healthcare professionals, to expanding rehabilitation centers and promoting multidisciplinary approaches to treatments.
During the Plenary session of 23 January, these same aspects resonated through the Chamber, with an emphasis from representatives on prevention (primary and secondary), screening, and the women’s side to the ASCVD story. Additionally, the genetical side of ASCVD was also raised frequently during the debate. Next steps remain unclear, since coalition talks for a new government remain ongoing, with a deadline of 31 January.