Improving cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart disease and stroke, remain the leading cause of death in the European Union, affecting over 62 million people. The burden of CVD is not equally shared, with people of lower socioeconomic status 68% more likely to develop these diseases. Beyond the personal impact, CVD places a heavy strain on families, communities, health systems and the economy, costing the EU €282 billion in 2021 alone.

The risk of CVD is shaped by the environment people live in, including access to healthy food, safe spaces for physical activity, clean air, and working conditions that reduce stress. When these conditions are lacking, opportunities for healthy choices shrink, increasing health inequalities.

EuroHealthNet’s vision for cardiovascular health supports a comprehensive European approach that addresses the root causes of disease, with prevention and health equity at its centre. Key recommendations include integrating cardiovascular health across all policy areas, creating supportive environments for vulnerable groups, and implementing equity-based approaches such as social prescribing across the life course, beginning in childhood.

Read the brief here.