Copilot said:
August was a month of action, collaboration, and growing momentum across the FH Europe Foundation network as preparations intensified for FH Awareness Day, EU Screening Week, and World Heart Day. From community-led awareness campaigns and screening initiatives to new research findings, advocacy efforts, and international partnerships, the global FH community continues to drive earlier detection, prevention, and improved care for inherited lipid disorders.
Catch up on the key highlights from the August 2026 edition of Heart Beat:
FH Europe Foundation News:
- FH Awareness Day Global Preparations: Community members worldwide shared plans for screenings, awareness campaigns, educational activities, and patient stories ahead of 24 September.
- EU Screening Week 2026: Organisations are invited to register activities and help promote screening and early detection of inherited lipid disorders.
- Joint Advocacy for EU Screening Week: FH Europe Foundation and partners joined forces to support the implementation of EU Screening Week and the EU Safe Hearts Plan.
- ESC Congress 2026: FHEF participated in key discussions on FH, Lp(a), cholesterol management, and cardiovascular prevention.
Ambassadors News:
- Summer Travels, Shared Experiences: FH Europe Foundation Ambassadors shared practical travel tips and personal experiences to help people living with inherited lipid disorders travel safely and confidently.
Research & Community Engagement:
- PerMed FH: New research from Oman highlights the role of elevated Lp(a) in cardiovascular risk among people living with FH.
Network News:
- FH Awareness Day - Local Activities Across the Network: Organisations in Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, the Netherlands, and Singapore are marking FH Awareness Day with various activities to promote early detection and raise awareness of inherited lipid disorders.
- China - Homy FH China Patient Network: Ongoing efforts support paediatric clinical trials and improved access to innovative HoFH therapies.
- Iraq - FH Iraq: The "Check Lipids, Protect Your Life" campaign provided lipid screening to 750 people.
- Netherlands - Stichting VrouwenHart: Continued advocacy, peer support, and research activities are helping improve women's cardiovascular health.
Partner News:
- World Heart Federation: The World Heart Day 2026 campaign encourages people to recognise warning signs and prioritise heart health.
- European Patients' Forum: New learning and engagement opportunities are available through the EPF Barometer webinar and Youth Congress.
- EURORDIS: A new webinar will contribute to shaping future European rare disease policy.
- World Orphan Drug Congress Europe: Community members can benefit from complimentary passes and discounted registration rates for the October congress in Amsterdam.
Knowledge Hub:
- Evinacumab in Children with HoFH: New research demonstrates significant LDL-C reductions and improved cardiovascular outcomes among children living with HoFH.
- OECD Policy Brief: The OECD calls for stronger cardiovascular health checks across Europe, highlighting persistent gaps in cholesterol testing and the importance of early detection.
- World Patient Safety Day 2026: This year's campaign focuses on "Safe Care for Noncommunicable Diseases,".
Events:
- 15 September: Apheresis Awareness Day
- 17 September: World Patient Safety Day, World Health Organization (WHO)
- 24 September: FH Awareness Day
- 29 September: World Heart Day, World Heart Federation
- 29 September-4 October: EU Screening Week 2026
- 27-28 October: World Orphan Drug Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- 6 November: FCS Awareness Day
- 6-8 November: FHEF Annual Network Meeting, Dublin, Ireland
