Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002661/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Grégory Allione (Renew), Valérie Devaux (Renew), Pascal Canfin (Renew)
Cardiovascular diseases are still the main cause of death in the EU, with almost 1.7 million deaths per year. Structural heart diseases affect more than 14 million people in Europe. Although the latter are easy to treat when detected at an early stage, they are still underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to avoidable hospitalisations, premature deaths and an increase in health inequalities.
In December 2024, EU health ministers unanimously adopted a set of conclusions on improving cardiovascular health in the EU, and the Commission promised to bring forward a European cardiovascular health plan.
- 1.How will the Commission ensure that structural heart diseases are included in the plan, with clear commitments on early detection (including through auscultation), rapid referral pathways and equitable access to treatment?
- 2.What action does the Commission intend to take to address the persistent gender gaps in research and in the diagnosis and treatment of structural heart diseases, given that women are diagnosed later, are under-represented in clinical trials and undergo fewer routine heart check-ups?
- 3.How is the Commission planning to ensure that Member States receive sustainable financial support at EU level so that the cardiovascular health plan can be put into practice?
Submitted: 1.7.2025