Hungary assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July 2024 and set the stage for significant advancements in cardiovascular care across Europe. This term holds immense potential for reshaping health policies, particularly in light of the lessons learned from the recent coronavirus pandemic. The Hungarian Presidency’s focus on inter alia, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) highlights the urgent need to address one of Europe’s most pressing health challenges.
The Urgency of Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming nearly 18 million lives annually. In Europe, CVDs account for 37% of all deaths, translating to over 1.7 million lives lost each year. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects individuals of all genders and ages, contributing to about 20% of all premature deaths (before age 65) in the EU. While some cardiovascular conditions are inherited and may not manifest until adulthood, age remains a significant risk factor. The prevalence and risk of CVD increase with age, leading to inevitable functional decline, especially pertinent given Europe’s ageing population.
CVD can also be triggered by other chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, pulmonary disease, and cancer. Infectious diseases, notably COVID-19, have heavily impacted cardiovascular health, often causing heart muscle inflammation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges for those living with CVD, affecting both access to care and overall heart health. It highlighted the vulnerability of CVD patients and underscored the importance of improving cardiovascular health to make healthcare systems more resilient to future pandemics. Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions have been significant predictors of COVID-19 severity and mortality.
Therefore, improving cardiovascular health is crucial for strengthening healthcare resilience and reducing the burden of chronic diseases, thereby enhancing the European population’s ability to withstand future health threats. The Hungarian Presidency’s health priority is clear: tackling cardiovascular disease. This focus is not only timely but necessary, as it opens a window of opportunity for comprehensive engagement with national officials and stakeholders to prioritize cardiovascular health and secondary prevention at both national and EU levels.
Key Milestones and Events
The Hungarian Presidency has outlined a series of significant events and initiatives aimed at bolstering cardiovascular health across the EU:
- 3-4 July, Budapest: Ministerial Conference on Cardiovascular Health
- 24-25 July: Informal Ministerial Meeting where cardiovascular health will be a central topic of discussion
- 9 September: Kick-off of five Working Party meetings to discuss CVD Council Recommendations
- 3 December: Expected adoption of Council Conclusions on CVD
These events are crucial in galvanizing efforts to address CVDs systematically and effectively. The Council Conclusions, in particular, are expected to lay the groundwork for sustained action and policy development aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases across Europe.
The SHD Coalition’s Position and Recommendations
In line with the Hungarian Presidency’s focus, the SHD Coalition has developed a position paper titled “Towards EU Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Disease: Ensuring Early Detection of Structural Heart Disease for Active and Healthy Ageing.” This paper outlines the pressing need for systematic screening of elderly populations to enhance early detection and management of SHD. The SHD Coalition calls for the following key recommendations to be included in the EU’s future Council Conclusions:
- Improving Primary Prevention of CVD Across All Ages and Genders: Recognize age as a non-modifiable risk factor for developing CVDs, including SHDs. Implement age-specific prevention strategies to address the unique risk profiles of different age groups and enhance the effectiveness of primary prevention efforts. Gender and sex specificities should also be considered, as evidence suggests that women tend to consult their doctor later and have more comorbidities than men.
- Including Early Detection in Adequate Secondary Prevention Strategies: Strengthen primary care systems to include routine CVD/SHD screenings for individuals aged 65 and above to enhance early diagnosis rates. This integration ensures that SHD patients receive timely referrals to specialized care when needed, optimizing treatment outcomes and quality of life.
- Restoring CVD Innovation in the EU: Embrace and train healthcare professionals on digital health solutions and innovative diagnostic technologies to enable remote monitoring, early detection, and optimal management of SHDs. This empowers patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, reducing complications and hospitalizations while enhancing healthcare efficiency.
Conclusion
The Hungarian Presidency’s tenure marks a pivotal moment for advancing cardiovascular care in Europe. By prioritizing CVDs and SHD, fostering collaboration, and driving policy innovation, we can make significant strides toward a healthier future for all Europeans. The SHD Coalition stands ready to support these efforts and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that cardiovascular health remains a top priority on the EU agenda. Together, we can seize this momentum to achieve lasting and meaningful improvements in cardiovascular care across Europe.