December marked a milestone moment for FH Europe Foundation, closing an exceptional year of advocacy, collaboration and policy impact with the adoption of the European Safe Hearts Plan. From major EU-level developments to global engagement, patient leadership and research recognition, the month reinforced a shared commitment to prevention, early diagnosis and patient-centred cardiovascular care as the community looks ahead to 2026.
Catch up on the key highlights from the December 2025 edition of the Heart Beat newsletter:
FH Europe Foundation News:
- European Safe Hearts Plan: A major milestone for cardiovascular prevention in Europe, placing patients at the centre and strengthening cross-stakeholder collaboration.
- EACH Summit 2025: High-level discussions on prevention, innovation and equity, with FHEF elevating patient leadership and showcasing PERFECTO.
- HLM Rare 2025 (Brussels): Europe’s rare disease community advanced toward coordinated action, with important implications for HoFH and FCS care.
- HBA Basel – Global Health Summit 3.0: FHEF contributed patient perspectives on diagnostics, precision medicine and system-level change.
Ambassador Programme News:
- CVCT Forum: Scott Reavis and Michelle Watts advocated for stronger patient involvement in clinical trials.
- EACH Summit: Marc Rijken highlighted the need for integrated care and better data connectivity.
- Global Forum 2025: Helga Davidson and Mădălina Iamandei shared powerful testimonies on FCS, FH and person-centred care.
- FHEF Patient Charter: The Patient Council is integrating community feedback ahead of the Charter’s final release in early 2026.
Research & Community Engagement:
- FH-EARLY & PERFECTO: Both EU-funded projects were featured in the European Safe Hearts Plan for their role in improving early detection and care.
- PERFECTO at JACARDI: Presented its Sustainability Report, highlighting long-term system integration and EU-level impact.
Network News & Partner News:
- China: FH China announced major research funding awards and launched a study on the psychological impact of diagnostic delay in HoFH.
- Hungary: SZÍVSN delivered public and professional education on heart disease and heart failure care.
- Ireland: Croí hosted heart-health checks at the Irish Parliament, calling for urgent national action.
- United Kingdom: Action FCS announced its first dedicated patient and carer event.
- Global: Global Heart Hub advanced patient-led clinical research through a new initiative and webinar.
- ESC Congress 2026: Theme announced — Transforming Cardiology Together, with a strong focus on AI and innovation.
- Hart in Shape: Upcoming Dutch-language webinar on Lp(a), co-developed to support accessible, patient-centred education.
News from around the World:
- United States: The FDA simplified the use of real-world evidence in drug and device reviews, supporting faster and more patient-relevant innovation.
Knowledge Hub:
- EU Health & Innovation Initiatives: New EU measures aim to strengthen biotech, medical devices and health-system resilience.
- Lipids & Prevention Webinar: Expert insights on lipid markers, paediatric screening and early cardiovascular risk detection.
- EU Pharmaceutical Legislation: Landmark reform to improve access to medicines and reduce shortages across Europe.
Events:
- 24 February 2026: EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards – Brussels & online
- 28 February 2026: Rare Disease Day
- 24 March 2026: Lp(a) Awareness Day
