European Heart Network (EHN)

As November draws to a close, we want to highlight that November is COPD Awareness Month! 💙 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are closely linked, with people living with COPD more than twice as likely to develop CVD compared to the general population. 💡 World COPD Day 2024 focused on the theme "Know Your Lung Function". This global initiative, organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), highlights the importance of measuring lung function, particularly through spirometry, to diagnose and monitor COPD. Spirometry helps detect lung disease early, allowing for timely interventions. Beyond tobacco use, factors like air pollution and respiratory infections can harm lung growth from childhood through adulthood, increasing the risk of COPD later in life. Regular lung function testing is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic lung diseases. In support of this campaign, we encourage everyone to take steps towards better lung health. Here are some useful resources for more information: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gTsSNQR5 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Z9Q2jb 🔗 https://bit.ly/3CJ5smS 🔗 https://bit.ly/49crQBd #COPD #COPDAwarenessMonth #COPDAwareness #LungHealth 

🚨 WHO Launches New Evidence on Population-Level Screening for CVD Last week, the European Heart Network (EHN) attended an insightful WHO Regional Office for Europe webinar to launch three evidence synthesis reports examining the effects of population-level screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. 💡 Prof. Torben Jørgensen presented the second edition of the report, "What is the effectiveness of systematic population-level screening programmes for reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases?" This updated publication, peer review by EHN CEO Birgit Beger, explored the effectiveness of CVD screening for risk factors and preclinical conditions in general populations. Key Findings: 🔴 CVD Risk Factor Screening: No significant reductions in morbidity, mortality, or healthcare costs. 🔴 Preclinical CVD Screening: Slight reductions in mortality for conditions like abdominal aortic aneurysm, but potentially outdated due to improvements in treatment and declining smoking rates. 🔴 Adverse Effects: Overdiagnosis and overtreatment remain serious concerns. 🔴 Limited Data: Most studies were conducted in Western Europe, underscoring the need for more research in other regions. 💚 While screening is crucial in detecting conditions like CVD, evidence shows it does not always translate into improved health outcomes. The challenge lies in bridging the gap from detection to better outcomes—minimising harm while enhancing the benefits. 🤝 How can we ensure that early detection leads to effective interventions, rather than overdiagnosis and overtreatment? A more holistic approach may include health promotion and policies encouraging prevention and early detection. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/epqDiNjx

📣 EU Health at a Glance 2024 Report On 18 November, the EU Health at a Glance 2024 report was launched, offering critical insights into Europe’s healthcare systems. Prepared by the OECD - OCDE in cooperation with the European Union, the report focuses on two major themes: 1. Shortage of Healthcare Workforce in the EU The demand for healthcare workers is growing, yet workforce growth is not keeping pace. Europe’s ageing population (65+ years) continues to expand, while the active labour force (18–64 years) is shrinking. 🔑 Key challenges: Over one-third of EU doctors are over 55 and nearing retirement. Declining interest in healthcare careers makes retention difficult. Training programs have yet to scale up to meet the demand. 💡 Solutions include: Expanding training opportunities to make healthcare careers more appealing. Improving job quality and retention. Leveraging innovation and technology to enhance workforce efficiency. 2. Europe’s Ageing Population: Living Longer, Living Healthier? Life expectancy in the EU is rising, but not all added years are lived in good health. In 2022, less than half of the life expectancy beyond 65 years was spent disability-free. 🔎 Health disparities: Socio-economic inequalities lead to worse outcomes for less-educated populations. Women live longer but face more years with disabilities compared to men. CVD and cancer remain the leading causes of death, together accounting for 54% of deaths in 2021. ✨ Key priorities: Prevent chronic diseases through targeted health promotion and disease prevention policies. Address risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Ensure person-centred, integrated care for those with chronic conditions. 💙 Cardiovascular health in focus: CVD remains the leading cause of death in the EU and a significant contributor to disability among older adults. The report underscores the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and smoking, to reduce the burden of CVD. By promoting heart-healthy lifestyles and improving access to preventive care, policymakers can help reduce health inequalities and improve the quality of life for Europe’s ageing population. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eXpWH3aD

🐀 Would we let rats manage waste policies? Of course not. So why do we let the junk food and alcohol industries shape policies that impact public health? Unhealthy diets and alcohol consumption lead to over 1.2 million preventable deaths in Europe every year. ⏰ It's time to stop letting these industries run the show—public health must come first! We need to limit the influence of health-harming industries on public health policies. Policy-makers must: ✔️ Establish transparency in any interactions with harmful industries and make them publicly available. ✔️ Formulate a code of conduct that ensures public health is prioritised over profit, rejecting any unethical funding or gifts from these industries. ✔️ Demand accurate, evidence-based information from these industries, including their lobbying activities and financial practices. ✔️ Denormalise so-called ‘socially responsible’ activities by health-harming industries, which are often mere marketing tactics to improve their image. 💡 The goal: Create a healthier Europe by protecting policies from the influence of profit-driven industries. 📌 Learn more about how we can tackle these issues and advocate for healthier policies: www.canwebeseriousnow.org #CanWeBeSeriousNow European Alcohol Policy Alliance - Eurocare Smoke Free Partnership International Youth Health Organization

🌟 As a proud partner of the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), the European Heart Network (EHN) participated in yesterday’s impactful event on cardiovascular health, alongside our members organisations Deutsche Herzstiftung e.V., Hjärt-Lungfonden, and Ligue Cardiologique Belge / Belgische Cardiologische Liga. 🌟 The EACH “Rising to the Challenge: Time for Action on Cardiovascular Health” event in Brussels brought together key stakeholders to transform discussions into tangible actions to tackle cardiovascular diseases (#CVDs) – Europe’s leading cause of death. 🔹 Key Highlights: 💡 The Rijken Family – patient ambassadors for FH Europe Foundation– shared their powerful story about how genetic conditions like elevated Lp(a) and familial hyperlipidaemias impact entire families, emphasising the importance of early detection to prevent CVD. 💬 Panel 1: Ruth Biller (ERN GUARD-Heart), Prof. Cecilia Linde (Cardiologist, European Society of Cardiology), MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, and Prof. Raymond Vanholder (EKHA - European Kidney Health Alliance President) discussed improving cardiovascular health in the EU. The key takeaways for a future EU Cardiovascular Health Plan include: ✔️ Early detection and treatment ✔️ Tackling inequities (e.g. gender and environmental) ✔️ Stronger investment in prevention and innovation This plan must be comprehensive and holistic, addressing primary and secondary prevention, early detection, targeted screening, quality care, and patient rehabilitation. 💡 MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis also highlighted the pressing need to align the plan with EU policies on commercial determinants of health, including tobacco legislation, sustainable food systems, and healthy environments. 💬 Panel 2: Václav Pláteník (Czech Deputy Minister of Health), Michael Brinkmeier (German Stroke Foundation), and Konrad Korbiński (Ministry of Health, Poland) shared insights from national CVD action plans. They stressed the importance of EU-level collaboration, dedicated funding, and cohesive policies to improve health outcomes. 📅 What’s next? The adoption of the Council Conclusions on 3 December will mark a crucial step towards the development of an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. To succeed, we need political commitment, social cohesion, intersectoral collaboration, and dedicated funding. 💙 Let’s make the change now! #CardiovascularHealth #EACH #Prevention #HeartHealth #EUHealth #CVHealthPlan

"Would you invite a fox into the chicken coop? Neither would we. Yet, the tobacco industry continues to influence policies and target vulnerable populations. In Europe, smoking contributes to nearly 700,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases each year. The fox is already in—it’s time to act. 🦊" 💡 The FILTERED Project is pushing for greater accountability regarding industries that harm public health. Tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods, and fossil fuels should not be allowed to shape policies that affect our health. These industries are a major cause of the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Europe, including cardiovascular diseases. Our call to action: ✔️ Transparency: We must ensure that interactions with health-harming industries are open and accountable. ✔️ Policy Prioritisation: Health must be the priority in all decision-making, not industry profits. ✔️ Prevention: Investing in prevention today will save millions of lives tomorrow. 🤝 The FILTERED Project aims to create clear boundaries between health and profit, and to ensure that policies focus on protecting people—not corporate interests. 📌 Learn more about how we’re tackling these issues with evidence-based solutions and advocacy efforts: https://lnkd.in/eWeJ_NfM Smoke Free Partnership European Alcohol Policy Alliance - Eurocare International Youth Health Organization #FILTEREDProject #PublicHealth #NCDs #TobaccoControl #HealthPolicy #Prevention #CanWeBeSeriousNow

On World Diabetes Day, we shine a spotlight on the critical link between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), two of the leading causes of death both globally and in Europe. People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease or stroke. In the EU alone, over 60 million people live with CVD, and 1 in 3 adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed—making early detection and prevention more urgent than ever. ⏳ For this reason, we advocate for EU policies that integrate cardiovascular disease (#CVD) risk assessments into diabetes care. We call for joint targeted health checks at the primary care level, ensuring that individuals with diabetes also receive regular screenings for CVD. This integrated approach will help ensure that patients at risk receive timely interventions, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems across Europe. 🤝🩺 As part of its ongoing efforts to combat these dual public health challenges, the European Heart Network (EHN) continues to support projects like JACARDI, a European Union-funded initiative that helps countries reduce the burden of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at both the individual and health system levels. By focusing on prevention, better management, and the integration of care, JACARDI aims to strengthen healthcare systems across Europe, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against these preventable diseases. Discover the JACARDI project: https://lnkd.in/evqyhPZa #WorldDiabetesDay

🐍 Would you invite a snake to look after your hamster? Neither would we. 🐹 When it comes to protecting public health, we can’t let industries that profit from harm—like tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods, and fossil fuels—be treated as health allies. Allowing these industries to shape health policy puts lives at risk, with Europe witnessing 2.7 million preventable deaths each year due to harmful products. 🛑 The FILTERED Project calls for clear boundaries and accountability. We need policy-makers to prioritise health over profit by: ✔️ Setting transparency standards for any necessary interactions with health-harming industries ✔️ Implementing a code of conduct for engagement with these industries to prevent conflicts of interest ✔️ Demanding evidence-based, accurate reporting from these sectors on their products, practices, and impacts ✔️ Restricting “socially responsible” activities from harmful industries, which are often PR tactics, not genuine contributions 🤝 Together, we can build a healthier Europe: Smoke Free Partnership European Alcohol Policy Alliance - Eurocare International Youth Health Organization 🔗 Visit the FILTERED Project website to discover key facts and recommendations:www.canwebeseriousnow.org #CanWeBeSeriousNow #FILTEREDProject

📢 We’re Hiring: Manager, Patients and Research The European Heart Network (EHN) is looking for an experienced Patients and Research Manager to join our Brussels team. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a European alliance dedicated to combating CVD and improving patient outcomes across Europe. 📅 Application Deadline: 28 November 2024 Read more and apply: https://lnkd.in/etc8QcqK

🛑 Health before profit. When it comes to public health, industry interests—whether in tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods, or fossil fuels—are not aligned with ours. Their goal? Profit, not health promotion. The stakes are high, with 2.7 million lives lost each year in Europe due to preventable risks from harmful products. It’s time for policy-makers to step up, ensuring accountability and transparency to protect our health. ⏰ Policy-makers, it’s time to set boundaries. To build environments that prioritise health over profit, policy-makers must limit the influence of industries profiting from harm, including tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy food, and fossil fuel sectors. 👉 Read our key recommendations for transparency, accountability, and integrity in public health policy: https://lnkd.in/eSdyHf8r #CanWeBeSeriousNow 💡 The FILTERED Project (From sILos To synErgies to pRevEnt ncDs) is reshaping this narrative by driving collaborative advocacy and action among civil society organisations across Europe and in Ukraine. FILTERED unites efforts on reducing alcohol harm, tobacco control, and unhealthy diet reduction, fostering strategic alliances and tackling NCD risk factors through an evidence-based, co-creative approach.