Explore the highlights from FH Europe's March 2025 Heart Beat newsletter to catch up on the latest news and events in the world of cardiovascular health:
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Amsterdam, March 31, 2025 – More than 1.4 billion people worldwide are living with elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], an inherited cardiovascular risk factor that often goes undetected. Despite its clear link to heart attacks, strokes, peripheral arterial disease and aortic stenosis, only 1%-2% of the population is tested, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable cardiovascular events.
The economic burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is staggering, with the EU alone spending €282 billion annually on healthcare and productivity losses related to CVD. This highlights the urgent need for improved prevention and early detection strategies, especially for high-risk conditions like elevated Lp(a).
To address this, the first-ever Global Summit on Elevated Lp(a), 24-25 March, Brussels, brought together over 60 global scientific and medical leaders, policymakers, advocates and and patient representatives. Hosted under the patronage of the Polish EU Presidency, the Summit coincided with Lp(a) Awareness Day (24th March) and aimed to ensure Lp(a) testing becomes routine, and that everyone is tested free of charge, at least once and as early as possible in their lifetime.
The Summit was led by the Lp(a) International Task Force and organised by the FH Europe Foundation under the scientific leadership of Professor Florian Kronenberg (Austria). Discussions focused on systemic barriers to Lp(a) testing, the lived experiences and challenges of those living with elevated Lp(a) levels, who issued a clear call to action: “Test, test, test”, as well as the emerging opportunities to drive policy and clinical change.
The Summit aligned with current EU health policy developments, including the ambitions of a dedicated Cardiovascular Health Plan, European Health Data Space (EHDS) launch and the December 2024 Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health, to integrate Lp(a) testing into national CVD risk assessments and enhance preventive care.
Cost savings, not only cost effectiveness
Prof. Zanfina Ademi from Monasch University in Australia, presented the results of the first International Cost-Effectiveness Study on Lp(a) Testing, which demonstrated unequivocally the economic viability of widespread Lp(a) testing commissioned by the Lp(a) International Task Force, under the FH Europe Foundation.
The Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a) - A Call to Action
The Summit informed the Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a), which outlines concrete steps for governments and health systems to implement routine testing for elevated levels of Lp(a), with endorsements expected from leading global and national health organizations. The declaration recognises the public health impact of testing for elevated Lp(a), as an important independent risk factor for CVD, and its effective management, would be enormous, and should be a key pillar of countries’ prevention strategies worldwide. The key five asks of the declaration to national, regional and international policymakers are:
Transformational digital tools and ethical artificial intelligence were recognised as key enablers for the implementation of systematic Lp(a) testing and the effective, personalised management of elevated Lp(a) levels. In line with the commitments set out in the Brussels Declaration, progress would be driven through cross-border shared learning, robust impact assessment, and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation on an annual basis.
MEP Romana JERKOVIĆ, Chair of the MEP Cardiovascualr Health Group and Host of the Summit said “As Chair of the MEP Group on Cardiovascular Health, I am thrilled to have co-hosted this important international summit, which is the first time there has been a dedicated meeting bringing together people with lived experiences, scientists, practitioners, and policymakers together to align on the concrete actions needed to make systematic testing of elevated Lp(a) and effective management for all who need it for all a reality. I am really excited to see this meeting of minds and ideas”. She added “I will be taking the Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a) to the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group and ask for their endorsement. The train has left the station and it is imperative we act in this space”.
Among political leaders, MEP Adam JARUBAS , Chair of the Health Committee in the European Parliament, SANT, underlined “I am fully supportive of a European Plan on Cardiovascular Health to address the huge financial and human burden of Europe’s biggest killer. Such a plan will accelerate much needed progress in policy, programmes, investment and research, also at national level. And your technical meeting demonstrated clearly why Lp(a), inherited lipid conditions must feature prominently in such a plan. We need to be bold and ambitious in this space.” He further stressed the importance of equity “As a transversal topic, a core priority for the SANT committee is health inequalities both among and within EU countries and beyond – health may depend largely on a DNA code – as we are discussing today – but should never depend on a postal code”.
Prof. Florian Kronenberg, Chair of the Lp(a) International Task Force highlighted: “It is not only that the scientific evidence is overwhelming. Enormous monetary savings are possible by introducing a more systematic measurement of Lp(a) in combination with the other traditional risk factors followed by the appropriate preventive treatment. Thereby much of the associated impairment of our fellow citizens through frequent heart attacks and strokes could be prevented. A shift from “we try to fix the damage” - which is often not possible - into the direction “prevent the preventable” has to be the focus of the upcoming years. Each year of prevention we lose for the given individual, puts her/him at more danger."
“The Lp(a) Global Summit was more than a scientific gathering - it was a powerful reminder that we live and act within a complex system, where no single factor exists in isolation. Lp(a) is not just a biomarker - it is a crucial signal in a web of genetic, environmental, social and behavioural interactions that shape cardiovascular health. Recognizing and addressing Lp(a) means embracing complexity, breaking silos, and designing truly personalized prevention strategies. The Summit illuminated a path forward: one that demands systems thinking, transdisciplinary collaboration, and bold action to bridge the gap between knowledge and real world impact” said Dr Marius Geanta, President Center for Innovation in Medicine and Member of the Lp(a) International Taskforce.
Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe Foundation concluded "The first-ever Lp(a) Global Summit was a landmark moment, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, industry as well as advocates and people living with elevated Lp(a) to address one of the greatest gaps in cardiovascular prevention. Its strength lay in unprecedented collaboration—where lived experience met scientific excellence, and political will aligned with urgent public health needs. Now, this momentum must translate into lasting, cross-border action to ensure equitable access to Lp(a) testing and care. The future of cardiovascular health depends on it."
The Lp(a) Global Summit was organised with the support of experts, volunteers, and in partnership with World Heart Federation, International Atherosclerosis Society, European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health, European Society of Atherosclerosis and Global Heart Hub, industry partners such as Amgen, Novartis, Roche Diagnostics, and Silence Therapeutics. It marks a pivotal shift toward proactive cardiovascular health, aiming to prevent, not just treat, heart disease.
A dedicated webinar to reflect on the first Lp(a) Global Summit, elevated Lp(a) as a CVD risk factor and the science behind it, economic implications of testing for Lp(a) and ambitions for the Brussels International Declaration will take place later today, 31 March 2025 between18:00 and19:00 CET.
Please click here to register.
For more information, contact:
Magdalena Daccord
CEO, FH Europe Foundation
Email: lpaglobalsummit@fheurope.org
Join us for a series of upcoming webinars focused on advancing cardiovascular health in Europe.
These Public Advocacy Webinars will explore the Council Conclusions and the newly announced European Cardiovascular Health Plan.
Hosted by FH Europe Foundation on behalf of EACH - the European Cardiovascular Health Alliance in collaboration with other EACH Partners and the MEP CVH Group
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Europe, causing nearly 4 million deaths each year. Recognising the urgent need for action, the Council of the European Union adopted key conclusions on 3 December 2024, calling for stronger efforts in CVD prevention and management.
The following day, the EU announced its intention to develop a European Cardiovascular Health Plan (CVH Plan)—a significant milestone for cardiovascular health across Europe.
To help our community of patients, patient organisations, and the public understand and engage with these developments, FH Europe Foundation, on behalf of EACH (the European Cardiovascular Health Alliance), is launching a series of public advocacy webinars. These sessions will provide clear and accessible explanations of:
These interactive webinars will feature high-profile speakers, including Ms. Kitti Almer, Public Health Attaché, Permanent Representation of Hungary to the European Union, who chaired the Council Conclusions group, as well as representatives from EACH, patient groups, and potentially Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
The series aims to:
Duration: 45 minutes, including 15 minutes for Q&A.
Language & Accessibility: English with the possibility of local-language spin-offs.
The Council Conclusions represent the official position of EU member states on cardiovascular health. They are not laws but set the political direction for future policies, funding, and national implementation.
Key topics covered in the 3 December 2024 Council Conclusions:
The Link to the European Cardiovascular Health Plan
Following the adoption of the Council Conclusions, the EU announced the creation of a European Cardiovascular Health Plan—a major step forward.
This webinar will answer these questions and explain how individuals and organisations can influence the process.
While the EU provides policy guidance, real change happens at the national level. Each country must adapt EU recommendations into their healthcare systems.
Advocacy is most effective when patients and citizens actively engage in policymaking. The webinar will provide:
Be part of the movement for better cardiovascular health in Europe.
These webinars are more than learning opportunities — they’re a call to action. Whether you’re a patient, an advocate, a healthcare professional, or simply passionate about heart health, your voice matters.
🗓️ Save the dates and stay tuned — registration opens soon!
We are sharing an important update regarding the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation, which is set to come into force in late March 2025. This regulation has the potential to empower patients across the European Union by providing access to their health data and harnessing its research potential.
First what is it?
Data Saves Lives is a project aimed at raising awareness about the importance of health data and helping people understand how it's used across Europe. Led by the European Patients’ Forum (EPF) and the European Institute for Innovation through Health Data (i~HD), it promotes responsible use and good practices for health data. The project highlights how health data can advance scientific research, improve healthcare systems, and benefit patients.
The European Health Data Space (EHDS) is a set of rules designed to make sharing and using health data easier across EU countries. It aims to create a unified digital health system that supports better healthcare, research, and innovation while ensuring data privacy and security. The EHDS will give individuals control over their health data and help them access personalised healthcare services.
So why do we need to know?
The European Patients’ Forum (EPF) has released a detailed analysis of the EHDS regulation, highlighting the most relevant changes and obligations introduced, along with several recommendations for a successful and patient-centric implementation.
As Ambassadors of the FH Europe Foundation, this development is particularly significant for us. The primary goal of the EHDS is to empower patients to access their health data and enable health professionals to consult patients’ medical records through Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This will allow citizens in the EU to access, manage, and share their health data electronically (primary use), and facilitate its use for public interest, policy making, and research (secondary use).
For our community, the EHDS regulation represents a major step forward in improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of familial hyperlipidaemias (FH) and related conditions. By ensuring that health data is accessible and usable, we can enhance patient care and support research initiatives that drive innovation in healthcare, but you need to know what it means for you.
To ensure a successful enforcement of the regulation and mitigate any unintended consequences, EPF calls on Member States and the European Commission to prioritise the following key actions during the implementation period:
As Ambassadors, your role in advocating for these priorities is vital. By staying informed and engaged, we can collectively work towards a future where healthcare is more personalised, effective, and inclusive for all patients.
Read more and access the full article on the Data Saves Lives website.