Hellenic Cardiological Society cardiac death prevention

The Hellenic Cardiological Society (HCS) is advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive National Strategy for the Prevention and Management of Sudden Cardiac Death in Greece. The organization emphasizes the need for an organized chain of care that includes early diagnosis, public education, and widespread access to cardiological knowledge to address cardiac arrests in both urban and remote areas.

A central component of this initiative is the promotion of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. The HCS notes that because medical professionals are often unavailable during the initial minutes of a cardiac arrest, trained citizens act as a vital link in the survival chain. The society has collaborated with the European Resuscitation Council for 20 years to certify both healthcare professionals and the public.

Efforts to integrate these practices into Greek law have already progressed, including mandatory CPR training for coaches under Law 4809/2021 and requirements for staff in businesses with more than 50 employees under Law 5239/2025. Additionally, medical experts are highlighting the importance of recognizing early warning signs, such as angina, which can manifest as chest pressure or tightness days or weeks before a major cardiac event.