January marked a focused start to 2026, with FH Europe Foundation advancing patient education, research coordination, and policy engagement to turn evidence and strategy into everyday impact.
Catch up on the key highlights from the January 2026 edition of the Heart Beat newsletter:
FH Europe Foundation News:
- ESC–EAS Dyslipidaemia Guidelines: Launch of a free three-part webinar series translating guidelines into practical, patient-relevant understanding.
- IHU ICAN (Paris): Cardiometabolic prevention discussions highlighted patient-centred research and the role of FH-EARLY in early prevention.
- Events Calendar 2026: Key awareness days, congresses, and FHEF milestones published to support planning and engagement.
- Rare Disease Day 2026: Preparations underway to amplify patient voices and highlight access and equity challenges in rare diseases.
Ambassador Programme News:
- EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards: FHEF representation at a flagship celebration of rare disease leadership.
- Patient Voice in Education: Ambassadors continued to strengthen patient-centred practice through clinician education.
- Local Knowledge Sharing: Dutch-language webinar on Lp(a) combined expert insights with lived experience.
Research & Community Engagement:
- PERFECTO in the Media: EU cardiovascular prevention and personalised approaches featured on Romanian radio.
- PERFECTO Final Event: High-level European forum confirmed for 27–28 April 2026 in Brussels.
- FH-EARLY General Assembly: Partners met in Lisbon to review progress and align next steps.
- Safe Hearts Plan Statement: FH-EARLY and PERFECTO welcomed the EU framework and stressed the need for implementation.
Network News:
- Austria: FHchol Austria joined the GoRed campaign and co-organised an FH Festsymposium.
- China: Expansion of FH registries, patient leadership programmes, and national care pathways.
- Czech Republic: New Lp(a) resources and preventive check-ups led to a rapid rise in testing.
- Netherlands: Stichting VrouwenHart marked its 5-year anniversary.
- United Kingdom: Action FCS reminds about its first patient and carer event.
- Global: Global Heart Hub shared 2025 highlights.
Partner News:
- Cyprus EU Policy Event: Focus on AI, digital transformation, and cardiovascular health plans.
- EACH Summit Report: Key outcomes supporting Safe Hearts Plan implementation published.
- BBMRI-ERIC Webinar: Upcoming session on patient and public involvement in biobanking.
- EPF Webinar: Reflections on one year of EU HTA and the patient role.
News from around the World:
- Croatia: Community screening and awareness initiatives promoted early detection.
- Switzerland: CATCH study advanced family-based screening aligned with EU prevention efforts.
Knowledge Hub:
- Rare Diseases at WHO: Advocacy continued for concrete next steps on a Global Action Plan.
Events:
- February: Heart Month (UK & USA)
- 4 February: World Cancer Day
- 24 February: EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards – Brussels & online
- 28 February: Rare Disease Day
- 24 March: Lp(a) Awareness Day
- 27–28 April: PERFECTO Final Event – Brussels & online
