Cardiovascular Disease Burden in Europe – A call to action

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system are the leading cause of death in Europe and a major cause of disability. Cardiovascular diseases can impact people of all ages. However, the risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes heart failure, atrial fibrillation-related stroke, heart valve disease or coronary heart disease, increases with age. In 2040, 155 million Europeans will be over 65. As Europe’s population continues ageing, incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is set to increase dramatically.

Preventing, detecting and diagnosing these conditions early – and managing them efficiently when they occur – is essential to keeping workers, and citizens of all ages, out of hospital and in good health, while making efficient use of healthcare resources. This regardless of gender, income or country.

Important statistics:

• CVD is the #1 killer globally, and in the EU alone accounts for 1.8 million deaths every year or 36% of all deaths.
• Over 60 million people are living with CVD in the EU, according to recent estimates.
• Deaths from CVD exceed fatalities from cancer (1.3 million every year in Europe; 26% of all deaths).
• CVD costs the EU 210 billion EUR per year, due to healthcare costs, productivity loss, and informal care by caregivers.

What EU can do?

EU Member States are responsible for the delivery of health and social care to patients. However, they face challenges that could benefit from coordinated action at EU level. There are actions the EU could support to ensure that people live longer, healthier lives and continue to contribute to society:

1. Better understand the impact and burden of CVD on society
2. Improve patients’ quality of life and increase efficiency in both primary and tertiary care, through fast yet secure access to innovation
3. Reward technologies for the clinical and economic value, including outcomes, they bring to patients, hospitals and the healthcare system

Constructive, collaborative partnerships with patients, governments and payers are needed to go even further to help alleviate Europe’s CVD burden once and for all. Read the full call to action below.