The European Commission has unveiled the Safe Hearts Plan, a new EU-wide initiative aimed at addressing one of the continent’s most serious public health challenges: cardiovascular disease. Launched under the European Health Union framework, the strategy responds to the growing burden of cardiovascular conditions, which affect an estimated 62 million people across the EU and account for around 1.7 million deaths each year. Beyond its human cost, cardiovascular disease places a heavy strain on the European economy, with losses exceeding €282 billion annually due to healthcare costs and reduced productivity.

The Safe Hearts Plan sets out a long-term vision to significantly reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease by 2035, placing strong emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis and improved care. A core objective of the initiative is to narrow health inequalities, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, young people and women, while promoting a modern, digital-driven approach to cardiovascular health.

Ambitious targets for prevention and screening

At the heart of the plan is a commitment to reduce premature deaths from cardiovascular disease by 25% by 2035. To achieve this goal, the Commission aims to substantially increase access to routine health screenings for adults aged 25 and over, focusing on key risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Under the proposed targets:

• 75% of people aged 25–64 and 90% of those aged 65 and above should receive annual blood pressure checks;
• 65% of adults aged 25–64 and 80% of those over 65 should have their cholesterol and blood sugar levels monitored each year.

Three pillars to strengthen cardiovascular health

The Safe Hearts Plan is built around three main pillars designed to address cardiovascular disease throughout the entire care pathway.

Prevention is identified as the most effective and cost-efficient approach. Measures under this pillar aim to support healthier lifestyles by improving nutrition, reducing tobacco use, encouraging physical activity and addressing environmental risks such as air pollution. Member States will also be supported in developing national cardiovascular health strategies, with a strong focus on digital tools and personalised prevention.

Early detection and screening play a central role in reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events. The plan promotes EU-wide health checks, mobile screening initiatives and more advanced risk assessment tools to make early diagnosis more accessible and better coordinated across countries.

Treatment and care focus on ensuring high-quality, integrated support for people living with cardiovascular conditions. Actions include improving access to treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care, alongside greater use of digital health solutions and personalised medicine. The Commission also proposes the creation of a European network of cardiovascular health centres to strengthen expertise and improve patient outcomes.

Digital innovation, research and equity as cross-cutting priorities

The strategy is supported by three cross-cutting priorities. Digital innovation will play a key role, with the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance diagnosis, treatment and disease management, enabling more personalised care across Europe.

Research and knowledge development are also central, with increased investment planned to close gaps in understanding cardiovascular disease and to support innovation in both prevention and treatment.

Reducing inequalities remains a major objective, indeed, the plan seeks to address disparities in cardiovascular outcomes between regions and population groups, with targeted actions for women, older people and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Broad consultation and stakeholder involvement

The Safe Hearts Plan was developed through extensive dialogue with Member States, experts, stakeholders and citizens. The Expert Group on Public Health (PHEG) contributed through dedicated discussions on cardiovascular prevention during meetings held in 2025. In parallel, the EU Health Policy Platform organised a series of webinars, including sessions that actively involved young Europeans.

A call for evidence allowed stakeholders and citizens to provide input, ensuring that the strategy reflects diverse perspectives and real-world needs. Youth engagement is further reinforced through initiatives such as the Thematic Network on Youth Engagement in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases.

Looking ahead: challenges and opportunities

By reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease, the Safe Hearts Plan aims not only to improve public health but also to strengthen the EU’s economic resilience and competitiveness. Lower healthcare costs, higher productivity and increased innovation in the health sector align closely with the Commission’s broader focus on prevention and early intervention to improve quality of life and life expectancy.

Nevertheless, significant challenges remain. Cardiovascular disease is projected to increase by up to 90% by 2050, while current levels of investment in prevention remain insufficient. The Safe Hearts Plan addresses these risks by promoting stronger cooperation among EU countries, healthcare professionals and the research community, laying the foundations for a more sustainable and coordinated response to one of Europe’s most pressing health threats.