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
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.
Brussels, March 24, 2025: One in five people globally—over 1.4 billion individuals—are living with elevated Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a significant, yet widely undetected inherited cardiovascular risk factor. Despite its clear link to premature heart attacks, strokes, and aortic stenosis, only 1%-2% of the population is tested, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable, life-threatening cardiovascular events.
The economic and healthcare burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is staggering, with CVD costing the EU €282 billion annually[1]. Of this, €155 billion (55%) is spent on health and long-term care, accounting for 11% of total EU health expenditure. Productivity losses contribute €48 billion (17%), while informal care costs amount to €79 billion (28%). The economic impact translates to an average cost of €630 per person, with national variations ranging from €381 in Cyprus to €903 in Germany. Within these costs, coronary heart disease accounts for 27% (€77 billion), and cerebrovascular diseases account for 27% (€76 billion). These figures underline the urgent need for improved early detection and prevention strategies.
To address this urgent public health crisis, 50 leading global experts, policymakers, and patient representatives will convene for the first-ever Global Summit on Elevated Lp(a), coinciding with Lp(a) Awareness Day. This landmark event, hosted under the patronage of the Polish EU Presidency, is a direct response to growing EU and international commitments to tackle cardiovascular disease through prevention, early detection, and data-driven healthcare policies[2].
A Policy-Driven Scientific Summit to Address Lp(a) as a Public Health Priority
Living with elevated Lp(a) presents a significant emotional and practical burden for affected individuals and their families. Recent research highlights that many people with high Lp(a) levels only learn about their condition after experiencing a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, or due to a family history of cardiovascular disease. Despite medical guidelines advocating once-in-a-lifetime Lp(a) testing, many healthcare professionals are hesitant to test, often citing the lack of approved Lp(a)-lowering therapies. Patients and caregivers report frustration with the inconsistent and conflicting lifestyle advice they receive, with many feeling that their condition is largely invisible to the public and under-recognized by the medical community. The psychological impact of living with an increased, yet poorly understood, cardiovascular risk is significant, with many expressing anxiety, helplessness, and a desire for clearer, more structured medical guidance and emotional support. Patient Ambassadors underscore the urgent need to integrate Lp(a) testing into routine cardiovascular risk assessments and provide comprehensive support for those affected.[3]
Despite scientific consensus on the importance of once-in-a-lifetime Lp(a) testing[4], testing rates remain critically low due to a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, as well as systemic barriers within health systems, including financial disincentives for preventive testing. There is also a misconception that testing is unnecessary in the absence of approved Lp(a)-specific therapies. Missed opportunities to leverage global risk management strategies further exacerbate the failure to prevent early cardiovascular events.
EU Leadership in Advancing Cardiovascular Health & EHDS Alignment
This Summit aligns with the EU’s emerging health policy developments, including the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and the recent Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health (December 2024), which emphasize the integration of cardiovascular disease risk assessments into national health policies, systematic data collection on CVD risk factors, including Lp(a), for better prevention and care, and investment in precision medicine and digital health tools to improve early detection and patient outcomes. The Summit will reinforce Lp(a) testing as a cornerstone of effective, personalized cardiovascular prevention, ensuring that health systems shift from reactive disease treatment to proactive and preventive health management.
Summit Highlights & Key Policy Announcements
A major highlight of the Summit will be the unveiling of the International Cost-Effectiveness Study on Lp(a) Testing, led by Prof. Zanfina Ademi (Monash University). This study provides irrefutable evidence that Lp(a) testing is economically viable and cost-effective, reinforcing its necessity as part of standard CVD risk assessment. Another key outcome will be the launch of the Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a), a policy blueprint outlining concrete steps for governments, policymakers, and health systems to implement routine Lp(a) testing. The Declaration is expected to be endorsed by leading global cardiovascular and patient advocacy organizations and serve as a reference for future cardiovascular health policies at the national, European, and international levels.
The Summit will be hosted by MEP Romana Jerkovic, Vice-Chair of the SANT Committee on Public Health and Chair of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, alongside MEP Adam Jarubas, Chair of the SANT Committee, and MEP András Kulja, with a welcome address from EU Commissioner for Health, Olivér Várhelyi, who has been invited.
A Multisectoral Call to Action
This unprecedented Summit is a flagship initiative of the Lp(a) International Taskforce, chaired by Prof. Florian Kronenberg (Austria), a lead author of the EAS Consensus Paper on Lp(a) Testing3, and is organized by the FH Europe Foundation, an umbrella patient organization dedicated to inherited lipid conditions and cardiovascular risk factors. Leading scientific, advocacy, and patient organizations backing the Summit include the World Heart Federation (WHF), the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), the Global Heart Hub, the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS).
A Paradigm Shift: From Cardiovascular Disease to Cardiovascular Health
This Summit marks a seismic shift from merely treating cardiovascular disease to proactively safeguarding cardiovascular health. It is an opportunity for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and patient organizations to ensure that preventable heart disease remains preventable.
Voices from the Summit
Prof. Florian Kronenberg, Chair of the Lp(a) International Taskforce, emphasized that “This Summit unites scientific, political, and advocacy leaders to ensure that Lp(a) testing becomes a global standard. We must not only normalize testing but also support individuals in managing their health effectively.” Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe Foundation, added that “The Summit sets a powerful precedent. It amplifies the voices of people living with elevated Lp(a) and solidifies their role in shaping policies. The launch of the Brussels Declaration is just the beginning—our goal is to secure systematic Lp(a) testing and risk-based cardiovascular prevention for all.”
Summit Funding & Support
The work of the Lp(a) International Taskforce and the 1st Global Lp(a) Summit is supported through a collaborative effort, driven by the dedication of passionate experts, volunteers, and advocates who generously contribute their time, knowledge, and expertise as in-kind support and by funding from Amgen, Novartis, Roche Diagnostics, and Silence Therapeutics, in line with FHEF’s framework for cooperation with industry.
Further Information & Media Contact
For media inquiries, contact
Magdalena Daccord,
CEO, FH Europe Foundation
lpaglobalsummit@fheurope.org .
More details about:
[1] Economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in the European Union: a population-based cost study, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37632363/
[2] Conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health in the European Union, 2024.12.03 - https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15315-2024-INIT/en/pdf
[3] Living with Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels: The Experiences of Patients and Caregivers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40008374/
[4] Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis: a European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36036785/