From breakthrough innovation to impact: how we can transform heart health in Europe
On World Heart Day, we are reminded that every heartbeat is precious. Yet cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one killer in Europe, claiming millions of lives each year. This is not just a health challenge, it is a societal one. Because behind every number are families, communities, and lives cut short.
The European Union has acknowledged the urgent need to address CVD and is taking a historic step with its first-ever Cardiovascular Health Plan. This is groundbreaking. For the first time, Europe will have a comprehensive strategy to tackle CVD head-on. But ambition alone will not save lives. We need action, innovation, investment and collective commitment to turn this vision into reality.
Turning innovation into tangible outcomes
As Chair of the MedTech Europe Cardiovascular Sector Group, I believe that breakthrough innovation is the driving force behind the transformation of cardiovascular care. From early detection tools that identify risks before symptoms arise, to therapies that shorten recovery time and improve quality of life, to monitoring solutions that keep patients connected to their care teams, breakthrough technology is delivering real-world impact and redefining what is possible at every stage of the patient journey.
Transcatheter therapies for valvular disease are a powerful example of how innovation can transform care. In fact, the latest ESC/EACTS guidelines reflect growing confidence in these therapies, recognising their effectiveness and safety. Not only do these technologies help patients recover more quickly and reclaim their quality of life, but they also alleviate pressure on healthcare systems: reducing complications, shortening hospital stays, freeing up capacity, and cutting long-term costs. This is breakthrough innovation at its best: a triple win—better outcomes for patients, greater efficiency for healthcare systems, and broader value for society.
Driving progress through partnership
Innovation needs collaboration to deliver change. At MedTech Europe’s Cardiovascular Sector Group, we work with scientific societies, healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers to speak with one voice.
Initiatives like the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health are instrumental in aligning stakeholders across Europe, driving the policy, funding, and public awareness needed to combat CVD. Through this collective effort, we have successfully advanced proposals that are critical to improving heart health across the region.
A roadmap to saving lives: The European Cardiovascular Health Plan
The momentum is real. With the European Cardiovascular Health Plan soon to launch, we have a unique opportunity to cut CVD mortality by 30% by 2030. But this is just the beginning. To get there, we need sustained investment and coordinated action both at EU and Member State levels. MedTech Europe’s policy proposals provide a clear path forward:
- Optimise patient pathways through early detection, diagnosis, referral, and treatment, especially for underserved populations
- Establish a network of Comprehensive Cardiovascular Centres to ensure equitable access and multidisciplinary care
- Create a European Cardiovascular Health Knowledge Centre to drive real-time, evidence-based decision-making and address inequalities
- Accelerate access to innovation by streamlining regulatory, assessment, and funding pathways for life-saving technologies
Together, these actions form a comprehensive strategy to improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and strengthen healthcare systems to ensure that every patient in Europe has timely access to high-quality cardiovascular care and the benefits of medical innovation.
On this World Heart Day, I invite policymakers, clinicians, patient advocates, and the MedTech community to join forces. We need your voice, your expertise, and your commitment to ensure that Europe delivers on its promise: fewer deaths, stronger systems, and better lives for millions.
Together, we can change the course of cardiovascular health in Europe. Together, we can make every heartbeat count.
