Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability across the European Union (EU), accounting for one‑third of all deaths, every year, and affecting over 60 million people. The human toll is compounded by significant economic costs, estimated at EUR 282 billion annually across the EU, making CVD not only a health crisis but also a major societal and economic challenge.
CVDs take a heavy toll on people, impacting their well-being, their social life, their mental and broader physical health. They also increase inequalities between regions and population groups, creating further challenges. While the EU and countries have implemented various policies and cross-sectoral initiatives to address CVDs, an ageing population is expected to further increase their prevalence by 2050, highlighting the need for stronger and co‑ordinated action.
As outlined by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines and the mission letter to the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, the European Commission will step up its work on preventive health, in particular on CVDs. The EU’s first ever cardiovascular health plan aims to support Member States, through EU co‑ordinated action, to reduce the burden of CVDs by enhancing prevention, strengthening early detection and screening, and supporting treatment and care.
This report, The State of Cardiovascular Health in the European Union, builds on a longstanding collaboration between the OECD and the European Commission to monitor and improve population health, including through the State of Health in the EU initiative, which includes the Health at a Glance: Europe series and the EU Country Health Profiles. These efforts have provided critical insights into the performance of health systems and the evolving challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease.
The publication reflects the OECD’s continued commitment to supporting EU Member States in addressing the growing burden of CVDs and related conditions. It draws on the OECD’s extensive analytical work on NCDs and benefits from close co‑operation with the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Health and Food Safety, and input from a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare industry, health professional and patient organisations as well as wider civil society.
By providing a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health across the EU, this report aims to inform future EU and national policy efforts. Leveraging digital health technologies, promoting people‑centred care, and aligning policies and cross-sectoral actions can enhance progress, reduce inequalities, with a specific focus on women, and make cardiovascular care more efficient. By translating evidence into action, the EU can improve cardiovascular health, reduce inequalities, and ensure that all citizens – regardless of where they live, of their gender, or of their socio-economic status – can live longer, healthier lives.
Stefano Scarpetta,
Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs,
OECD
Sandra Gallina,
Director-General for Health and Food Safety,
European Commission