The European Commission has officially launched a public consultation on the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan—a long-anticipated and vital step forward in shaping the future of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and care across the EU.
This is a historic opportunity for our community to ensure that inherited lipid disorders—including familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), homozygous FH, elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS)—are fully recognised as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in EU-level health policy.
The consultation is more than a formality—it’s a chance to influence the EU’s strategic direction on cardiovascular health. We must advocate for:
Over the years, FH Europe Foundation, in collaboration with our network of patients, clinicians, researchers, and policy advocates, has laid the groundwork for this moment. Key milestones include:
These achievements have helped build the momentum we now see reflected in this EU-level initiative.
The consultation is open until 15 September 2025 and is hosted on the European Commission’s platform (registration required). We encourage all stakeholders—patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates—to participate and make their voices heard.
FH Europe Foundation is coordinating a comprehensive response, drawing on insights from our Network Leaders, Patient Ambassadors, Scientific Experts, and industry partners. Our submission will combine robust scientific evidence with the lived experiences of those affected by lipid conditions.
We will share our final position with the community to ensure transparency and alignment, and to empower others to advocate effectively.
Together, we can shape a Cardiovascular Health Plan that truly reflects the needs of our community.
📅 Deadline: 15 September 2025
PRESS RELEASE
A new study* shows routine testing for a little-known cardiovascular threat could prevent heart attacks, strokes, and save millions in health costs.
Most people have heard of cholesterol. But there’s another dangerous lipid in the blood – lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), which if high in levels, could be silently putting millions at risk.
An international study led by Professor Zanfina Ademi and her Team at Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) reveals the cost effectiveness of testing high levels of Lp(a), a genetic and lifelong risk factor for heart disease affecting nearly 1 in 5 adults.
“This is one of the biggest blind spots in heart health,” said Professor Zanfina Ademi, a health economist and senior author of the study. “You can have a healthy lifestyle and normal cholesterol, but if your Lp(a) is high, you’re still at serious risk.”
Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death. In Australia, it costs over $14 billion a year; in Europe, that number soars to €282 billion. Yet Lp(a), which cannot be improved by diet or exercise, is not part of routine testing in most healthcare systems.
Published in Atherosclerosis, the study analysed data from over 10,000 adults in the UK. The results were striking: routine Lp(a) testing would have reclassified 20% of participants as high-risk, leading to earlier intervention with blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications.
In the same issue, Prof. Jan Boren, Editor-in-Chief of Atherosclerosis, issues a call to action in an editorial**, urging guideline developers and policymakers to act: “When a simple blood test can help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events and improve quality of life, all in a cost-effective way, implementing such testing isn't just advisable, it's imperative”.
The modelling showed that, testing could prevent 60 heart attacks, 13 strokes and 26 early deaths (per 10,000 people tested). While adding 217 years and 255 years of healthy life – all while saving approximately $85 and £263 per person in Australia and in the UK respectively in medical and productivity costs. Researchers tested this approach in nine high income countries and found the same result everywhere: regularly testing for Lp(a) could save money in all their healthcare systems.
“This is a game-changer,” said Professor Florian Kronenberg of the Medical University of Innsbruck, Chair of the Lp(a) International Taskforce. “A one-time test could prevent countless tragedies and is one of the most cost-effective tools we have.”
The research helped inform the Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a) Testing and Management, a new global policy roadmap calling for Lp(a) to be included in national cardiovascular screening programs.
Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe and co-author of the study, said: “Most people think they’re safe if their cholesterol is normal. But Lp(a) is often the missing piece. This simple test can save lives. The science is here – now it’s time to act.”
Commissioned by the Lp(a) International Taskforce and hosted by the FH Europe Foundation (FHEF), this patient-driven research initiative was led by the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in collaboration with global researchers and the Lp(a) International Taskforce. The study forms part of a broader multistakeholder effort to advance understanding and action on Lp(a).
* Lp(a) testing for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-income countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis.Jedidiah I Morton, Florian Kronenberg, Magdalena Daccord, Nicola Bedlington, Marius Geantӑ, Tobias Silberzahn, Zhenyue Chen, Jean-Luc Eiselé, Bogi Eliasen, Mariko Harada-Shiba, Marc Rijken, Albert Wiegman, George Thanassoulis, Pia R Kamstrup, Iñaki Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea, Pablo Coral, Raul D Santos, Erik Stroes, Michal Vrablík, Gerald F Watts, Christie M Ballantyne, Samia Mora, Børge G Nordestgaard, Kausik K Ray, Stephen J Nicholls, Zanfina Ademi, On behalf of the Lp(a) International Taskforce (ITF) initiative.
Atherosclerosis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2025.120447
** The test that pays for itself: Why we can no longer afford to ignore Lp(a). Jan Borén (editor-in-chief of Atherosclerosis)
Atherosclerosis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2025.120468
Explore the highlights from FH Europe's May and June 2025 Heart Beat newsletter to catch up on the latest news and events in the world of cardiovascular health:
Subscribe to the Heart Beat News.
In May and June 2025, the FH Europe Foundation, on behalf of the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), hosted two editions of the same public advocacy webinar. The decision to run the session on separate dates was driven by a desire to ensure maximum accessibility for a wide range of stakeholders across Europe and beyond. Partners of EACH were invited to join as panellists.
The webinars aimed to raise awareness and support meaningful engagement with the EU Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health, formally adopted in December 2024. This historic document represents the first EU-level political commitment to cardiovascular health in over two decades. As such, it offers a vital opportunity for patients, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to align on a shared agenda for prevention, equity, and long-term impact.
Each webinar brought together a distinguished panel of speakers, including:
Throughout the session, the panel examined the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the leading cause of death in Europe, and explored the urgency of renewed political attention. The Council Conclusions were presented as a vital non-legislative yet politically significant agreement, unanimously adopted by EU Member States, that can serve as both a strategic reference and an advocacy tool.
The scope of the Conclusions was explained through a comprehensive life-course approach, focusing on health promotion, prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and innovation. Attention was also given to addressing persistent inequalities—whether between regions, genders, or socio-economic groups.
Kitti Almer, who chaired the drafting group, explained the document in a very simple and accessible fashion, condensing a complex document of 26 pages into a 10 min presentation. The Conclusions represent a comprehensive, life-course approach to improving cardiovascular health, structured around five pillars:
They also emphasise equity, addressing disparities across regions, genders, and socio-economic groups. The Conclusions formally recognize deep inequalities in care between and within countries, significant gender disparities, with women often underdiagnosed and undertreated, the economic burden of CVDs, costing the EU billions annually and persistent behavioural and environmental risk factors like smoking, diet, inactivity, and pollution.
The Conclusions include clear invitations to the European Commission and to EU Member States as follows:
To the European Commission:
To EU Member States:
But there is also a huge role for civil Societies like patient organisations to play. As Joanna Ten-Kate emphasised, civil society has a unique opportunity to turn these high-level policy agreements into action:
Speakers emphasised the importance of practical advocacy, offering guidance for how organisations and individuals can use the Conclusions to support national campaigns, seek funding, and influence policymaking. Concrete examples were shared, including patient-led outreach to national finance ministries, as presented by GHH and FHEF, to ensure dedicated EU funding for cardiovascular strategies is included in the upcoming budget cycle.
Across both sessions, the webinars welcomed 126 unique participants from 34 countries, with a total of 275 registrations. The audience comprised patient leaders, national advocates, health professionals, EU health policy observers, and nonprofit representatives. Many attendees were motivated by a desire to better understand the Council Conclusions, acquire practical tools for engagement, and join a coordinated effort for cardiovascular health equity across Europe.
During the concluding poll, 73% of respondents reported that the webinar had increased their understanding of the Council Conclusions and strengthened their confidence to take action. The remaining participants indicated that the follow-up actions were not applicable to their role or region—highlighting the diversity of the audience and the need for ongoing, localised support.
The EU Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health represent a rare alignment of political commitment, patient advocacy, and scientific consensus. But they are only the beginning. To ensure that this policy momentum translates into real outcomes, civil society must continue to push for national implementation, strategic investment, and cross-border collaboration.
Read some of the important resources shared during the webinar:
Watch the webinar recordings:
What is next?
The work on the European Union Cardiovascular Health Plan (EU CVH Plan) is advancing a lot faster than we could have expected. Therefore, we ask now for your immediate support and action at this critical phase.
Thanks to years of collective advocacy led by the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), the EU has made a historic commitment to addressing cardiovascular diseases. The Council Conclusions adopted in December 2024 and the Commissioner’s announcement of a dedicated CVH Plan mark a major step forward.
The process is now underway, moving faster than expected. This is excellent news — but it also creates a narrow and urgent window to ensure that the plan is backed by the necessary EU funding.
Read the Briefing on the EU policy context here
Why Your Action Matters Now
The success of the CVH Plan depends on securing dedicated, multi-year EU funding, to be decided in the upcoming EU budget cycle. With the European Commission expected to release its initial proposal as early as July, action is needed in the coming weeks.
What You Can Do:
Need help adapting the letter or planning your outreach? We’re here to support you — contact us at info@fheurope.org.