Health is a basic human right and a powerful driver of economic and social progress. Good health and education form the foundation of personal well-being, societal stability, and national prosperity. Yet millions of people still lack access to affordable, high-quality care. That’s why it is essential to find sustainable, scalable ways to help provide better care for more people. 

Tackling noncommunicable diseases – including heart disease, stroke, and cancer – is central to achieving this goal. Philips welcomes the recent adoption of the United Nations General Assembly global declaration to combat noncommunicable diseases and mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. 

Philips also welcomes the recent launch of the first EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, The Safe Hearts Plan. Despite advances in cardiac treatment and technology, progress in reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease has slowed. In many cases, it has stalled, putting immense pressure on patients, their families and national healthcare systems. 

For example, people living with coronary artery disease often face limited physical activity, chest pain, fatigue and, in many cases, increased anxiety and depression. They may require lifelong medication and lifestyle adjustments, as well as reduced participation in work and social life – and a heightened risk of heart attacks or heart failure.

Closing the care gap requires urgent action

LCardiovascular diseases and stroke remain the leading causes of death and disability across Europe – claiming 1.7 million lives each year, and stark disparities persist both between and within countries. Cardiovascular death rates are nearly 6.3 times higher in some Member States than in others – particularly in the newer Member States – while women and individuals with lower incomes or education levels face disproportionately greater risks. At the same time, access to timely cardiac care continues to be a major challenge. According to our 2025 Future Health Index Report, 91% of surveyed cardiac patients experienced delays in receiving specialist care.

Also access to mechanical thrombectomy treatment to treat ischemic stroke patients varies significantly across the EU Member States, ranging from just 0.15% in Bulgaria to 9.46% in Germany. This disparity underscores the urgent need for action to ensure equitable access to stroke care across all Member States.

The new Safe Hearts Plan aims to address these challenges in cardiovascular care and stroke care. It is based on three pillars: prevention, early detection and screening, and treatment and care (including rehabilitation) and outlines comprehensive strategies supported by digital innovation, research and knowledge, and tackling inequalities. The Safe Hearts Plan is supported by the data provided in the recently published OECD report on The State of Cardiovascular Health in the EU.

Prevention and early detection 

Acting early makes all the difference. The Safe Hearts Plan highlights the importance of preventing modifiable risk factors – such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels – while managing related conditions like diabetes and obesity. Emerging factors, including genetic conditions, sleep quality and oral health, are also gaining attention and should be integrated into cardiovascular care and prevention.

For people with identified cardiac risks or complaints, ECG and medical imaging augmented with AI can support early detection and guide timely interventions. Early action not only saves lives – it also helps avoid the need for more complex and costly treatments later on.

Targeted treatments

The Safe Hearts Plan underscores the value of personalized, data-driven treatments. Proven approaches – such as image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to treat patients with coronary artery disease (percutaneous coronary interventions) and stroke (mechanical thrombectomies) – have the potential to reduce disease burden and lower healthcare costs when effectively implemented. Expanding treatment capacity in high-burden regions is essential, particularly in Eastern Europe, where countries like Poland continue to report some of the highest cardiovascular mortality rates. 

Addressing these regional disparities in infrastructure and capacity requires both political commitment and practical investment. Governments should prioritize high-value care by investing in solutions that deliver better outcomes for more people. Without bold action, people in many parts of Europe will continue to face unequal access to life-saving treatment.

Driving innovation through digital transformation

Digital technologies – including AI – are transforming how cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed, treated, and managed. By bringing together genetic, clinical, and imaging data, and other relevant patient information, AI can help assess cardiovascular risk and enable more personalized interventions. It also supports healthcare providers in streamlining workflows and reducing inefficiencies – leading to better outcomes and a more connected care experience. Targeted investment in digital innovation, supported by public–private partnerships, is critical to advancing cardiovascular care and aligns with the broader vision for a competitive and resilient Europe.

A new care model, closer to communities

Cardiovascular care is no longer confined to the hospital. The growing need to address cardiovascular disease is accelerating the shift toward a community-based and remote care model making care more accessible and responsive. In this model, specialist hospitals will serve as advanced treatment hubs – coordinating care and sharing expertise across networks. Building a connected care infrastructure – from the hospital to the community and the home – is a prerequisite for this shift. It includes digital technologies, patient monitoring, and wearable sensors.