Cardiovascular health initiatives launched in Greece and Europe

On the occasion of World Heart Day, new data and initiatives have been launched to address the rising threat of cardiovascular diseases in Greece and Europe. In Greece, cardiovascular issues accounted for approximately 31.9% of all deaths in 2023, totaling over 40,000 fatalities. The economic burden of these diseases in the country exceeds 4.3 billion euros annually.

A new panhellenic campaign titled ‘Apo Kardias’ (From the Heart) has been introduced by the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Industry Association and the Association of Patients of Greece to promote prevention through intergenerational communication. This initiative is scheduled to run until April 2027.

Research by the Hellenic Cardiological Society reveals a significant gap between public knowledge and practical readiness. While 65.9% of citizens view cardiovascular disease as a serious public health issue, many underestimate specific risks like diabetes or LDL cholesterol, and many are unaware of less common symptoms such as shortness of breath or nausea. Furthermore, while most would call emergency services, only 59.3% know the correct emergency number.

On a broader scale, the European Commission has inaugurated the European Preventive Check-up Week. This follows warnings that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Europe, claiming 1.7 million lives annually, though nearly 80% of premature deaths could be prevented through early detection and lifestyle changes.