MedTech Europe Cardiovascular Sector Group position on an EU Council recommendation on health checks for cardiovascular diseases

The MedTech Europe Cardiovascular Sector Group, a founding member of the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH),  welcomes the EU Safe Hearts Plan’s flagship initiative on an EU protocol on health checks for cardiovascular diseases. This initiative foresees the adoption of Council Recommendations to support EU Member States in shifting from fragmented, opportunistic detection towards systematic, structured, and risk-based screening

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the European Union (EU), accounting for approximately 1.7 million deaths annually. Therefore, the MedTech Europe Cardiovascular Sector Group outlines actionable proposals to ensure the upcoming protocol effectively supports the Safe Hearts Plan’s target of reducing premature cardiovascular mortality by 25% by 2035.

To maximise the impact of population-level health checks, optimise healthcare resources, and deliver equitable patient outcomes, the MedTech Europe Cardiovascular Sector Group puts forward the following recommendations.

• Targeting and risk-stratified health checks based on scientific guidelines: Align the health check protocol with clinical recommendations from leading medical societies, such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), to include age- and risk-appropriate assessments for key cardiovascular risk factors and major comorbidities.
• Prioritising high-risk populations to maximise impact: Calling for the Council Recommendation to foresee systematic screening for individuals above 65 years of age at least every two years. This framework should include essential lifestyle, cardiac, vascular, and cardiometabolic evaluations, along with the selective use of advanced medical technologies and tools, such as Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring and NT-proBNP biomarker testing.
• Integrating seamless pathways from detection to treatment: Connect screening programmes with coordinated referral systems, standardised EU guidelines, and integrated care models to prevent treatment delays. This includes leveraging specialised care frameworks through an EU Network of Cardiovascular Health Centres.

The value of medical technologies for cardiovascular screening

Medical technologies, spanning diagnostic blood tests, advanced imaging, and digital solutions, play a foundational role across the entire patient journey. Implementing a structured EU cardiovascular health check programme is a vital and cost-effective opportunity to save lives and enhance the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems.  Our accompanying infographic highlights the role of medical technologies in supporting cardiovascular screening and early detection, and their contribution to improving patient outcomes across Europe.

Download the position paper below to explore our recommendations for an EU cardiovascular health check protocol and case studies demonstrating the impact of early CVD detection programmes across Europe. You can also access our infographic highlighting the role of medical technologies in supporting cardiovascular screening and improving patient outcomes.