Vigenin: Prevention must be at the heart of European cardiovascular health policy

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the European Union and affects millions of European citizens every year. That is why we welcome the development of a European Cardiovascular Health Plan based on clear objectives and concrete measures,” said Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin during a debate in the European Parliament.

In his speech, he stressed that prevention should be a top priority of European policy in this area. “This means investing in early diagnosis, systematic preventive check-ups and Europe-wide initiatives to reduce risk factors – smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and air pollution,” Vigenin said. Prevention is not only more effective than cure, he said, but also significantly more sustainable in the long term – both for health systems and society as a whole.

The MEP also stressed the need for the measures under the new plan to reach vulnerable groups and regions with the worst health indicators. “In Bulgaria, where cardiovascular mortality remains alarmingly high, targeted screening programmes, health education and support for primary care are needed, including in smaller settlements”, he stressed.

Vigenin noted that the expectations for the European Cardiovascular Health Plan should be realistic. “This plan will not replace national health policies, but it can create a framework for better coordination, funding and measurable results at European level,” the MEP said.

The Safe Hearts plan is part of a broader European Commission package to strengthen and modernise the EU health sector, which aims to simultaneously improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities between Member States and boost innovation and sustainability of European health systems.