The European Commission has unveiled a new initiative, the ‘Safe Hearts Plan,’ aimed at reducing cardiovascular deaths by 25 percent over the next decade. The plan seeks to strengthen prevention, address lifestyle risk factors, and increase vaccination among high-risk groups.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death and disability in the European Union, claiming around 1.7 million lives each year and affecting roughly 62 million people, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure are included under the CVD umbrella. Without intervention, CVD prevalence is projected to rise by 90 percent and related deaths by 73 percent between 2025 and 2050.
“This is a long overdue commitment of the European Union, because cardiovascular health is the most important challenge in front of us when it comes to public health,” said European Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, revealing the plan on Tuesday. The initiative sets reduction targets for 2035 and aims to introduce annual checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar for most adults over 25.
Prevention is central to the plan. The Commission notes that nearly 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Major targets include reducing tobacco use, unhealthy diets, obesity, and exposure to air pollution. The plan sets a goal for tobacco use to fall below 5 percent of adults by 2040 and calls for revisions to EU tobacco control legislation in 2026, covering products like e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches. Excise duties on traditional and novel products will also be harmonised.
Unhealthy diets are another focus. About 75 percent of deaths linked to obesity are attributed to cardiovascular disease, and surveys show only 60 percent of adults and 42 percent of adolescents eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Measures in the plan include supporting food reformulation, promoting healthy options in public institutions, and improving labeling on ultra-processed foods. Taxes on high-sugar or high-salt products were discussed but were not included in the final plan.
Vaccination is also part of the strategy. The Commission aims to improve uptake against infections that can trigger heart attacks or strokes, such as influenza, COVID‑19, RSV, pneumococcal disease, and herpes zoster among older and high-risk populations.
While the plan has been welcomed by many stakeholders, consumer groups expressed concern about the lack of measurable commitments and specific timelines. Samuele Tonello of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said the plan “lacks teeth” in protecting consumers from unhealthy foods, and Foodwatch International noted that opportunities to regulate marketing to children and restrict energy drink sales to minors were missed.
The ‘Safe Hearts Plan’ signals the EU’s intent to tackle a major public health challenge, combining lifestyle interventions, vaccination, and monitoring to curb the growing burden of cardiovascular disease across member states.
