Public Health
Informing EU policy, advancing national cardiovascular health plans and addressing critical challenges
What's Hot
From news and statements to our latest events, it's all right here
EU pharmaceutical reform shows the value of sustained advocacy
The Council and the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee have backed a revised EU medicines framework, marking the first major update in over 20 years. This milestone follows years of negotiation and engagement with stakeholders, including the ESC.
Bringing cardiologists’ voice to Europe through advocacy – every day
European health policy is moving fast, from cardiovascular health plans to medicines reform. Beyond the headlines, the ESC continues its long term advocacy efforts, building trusted relationships with EU institutions to deliver lasting benefits for cardiovascular health.
‘Lemon-on-sticks’ phenotype indicates poor prognosis in heart failure
Analyses identified a high-risk subgroup of patients with low body mass index and high waist-to-hip ratio – described as the ‘lemon-on-sticks’ phenotype – who had a high disease burden and poor outcomes, according to results presented today at Heart Failure 2026.
New positive data on old drugs: Digitalis reduces heart failure events
Analyses supporting the use of digitalis glycosides in patients with heart failure were presented in a Late-Breaking Science session today at Heart Failure 2026.
A shared mission for global cardiovascular health
Improving heart health on a population-wide scale
At the European Society of Cardiology, we are united by a shared mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) – the number one cause of death globally.
We translate cutting-edge science, real-world data and clinical expertise into meaningful action, while championing prevention, equity and healthier communities. Through public health research, data collection and clinical registries, we work to ensure that every person can live a longer, healthier life.
Together with our partners, we shape EU policy, advance national cardiovascular health plans and address critical challenges such as gender equality, geographic inclusion, sustainability and the responsible use of AI in heart care.
The EU Cardiovascular Health Plan
Sharing independent, trustworthy evidence and uniting voices
Alongside our partners, we have been advocating for cardiovascular health for all at a European level for more than a decade.
Sharing independent, trustworthy evidence and uniting the voices of clinicians, researchers and patients to inspire political action.
In a historic milestone, the European Commission launched the first-ever Safe Hearts Plan, marking a major step forward in protecting the heart health of every European citizen. We are proud to have contributed to this plan, as well as driving progress for national cardiovascular health plans to meet the specific needs of countries across Europe.
Join us as we continue the journey toward implementing this landmark plan, ensuring its impact reaches communities across Europe.
Our Priorities
We believe that cardiovascular health is a right – not a privilege.
Our priorities reflect our commitment
Preventing disease, closing and tackling inequalities across gender and geography, and promoting the responsible use of digital health and AI to improve patient outcomes ethically and effectively.
We also work to safeguard health technologies through sound regulation so patients can benefit from safe, timely innovations. Understanding that a healthy planet is essential for healthy hearts, we champion sustainability across policy, practice and within our own organisation.
Explore how we’re building a healthier, more equitable and more sustainable future for every heart.
Public health in action
To improve heart health for everyone, we turn evidence into action.
Our public health initiatives are grounded in evidence-based data.
Strengthened by collaborative public health partnerships and brought to life through interactive workshops and events with a wide range of stakeholders.
By sharing facts and figures, co-creating solutions and engaging across sectors, we drive meaningful change – reducing inequalities, informing policy and advancing cardiovascular health on a population-wide scale.
