World Heart Day, observed every year on 29 September, takes on particular significance for Europe in 2026. The same week marks the first EU Screening Week, a new European initiative raising awareness of prevention and the early identification of key cardiovascular risk factors.
The need for more systematic prevention remains significant. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the European Union, accounting for approximately 1.7 million deaths every year, while their total economic burden exceeds €282 billion annually.
“Don’t Miss a Beat”: Recognising the Signs Early
In 2026, the World Heart Federation continues its “Don’t Miss a Beat” campaign, highlighting the importance of recognising symptoms and risk factors that can often go unnoticed. Cardiovascular disease can develop without obvious warning signs. High blood pressure, for example, often causes no symptoms until a serious complication occurs.
This year’s campaign focuses on recognising warning signs early, prevention and more systematic management of modifiable risk factors. This approach is closely aligned with Europe’s evolving strategy on cardiovascular health.
The First EU Screening Week and the “Know Your Numbers” Message
From 28 September to 4 October 2026, healthcare professionals and organisations across Europe are taking part in the first EU Screening Week. The initiative focuses on key cardiometabolic risk factors and promotes a straightforward message: “Know Your Numbers.”
Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose are important indicators that can help identify increased cardiovascular risk at an early stage. These factors can remain elevated without causing noticeable symptoms. The European Commission therefore encourages people to discuss regular checks with healthcare professionals and become familiar with the key measurements related to their cardiovascular health.
EU Screening Week goes beyond an awareness campaign. Across Europe, activities include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and other health checks, alongside information events and awareness initiatives delivered in partnership with healthcare professionals and local communities.
In Greece, the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association is participating through the “European Week for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Risk”. At the same time, to mark World Heart Day, it joined the Hellenic Society of Cardiology and the Hellenic Patients’ Association in promoting a common message highlighting the importance of prevention and communication with doctors and pharmacists.
Safe Hearts Plan: Europe’s New Strategy for Cardiovascular Health
EU Screening Week forms part of a broader European effort to address cardiovascular disease. In December 2025, the European Commission presented the Safe Hearts Plan, the EU’s first comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health. The plan is built around three main pillars:
- prevention,
- early detection and screening,
- treatment, care and rehabilitation.
Digital innovation, research and action to address health inequalities are horizontal priorities across the plan. Its flagship initiatives include a personalised and digitally supported lifelong prevention programme. The plan also foresees a European protocol for cardiovascular health checks. On 28 September 2026, the Commission also put forward a proposal for a Council Recommendation on cardiovascular health checks.
The Safe Hearts Plan aims to strengthen prevention and early intervention. At the same time, it places particular emphasis on making effective use of the opportunities offered by digital and innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.
From Screening to Continuous Monitoring
Prevention, however, does not end with a single health check. The real value of the information generated through measurements and tests lies in the ability to use it for continuous monitoring, early identification of changes and more personalised care.
Digital health can play an important role in supporting this shift. Moving from occasional measurements towards a more continuous picture of a patient’s health can be supported through:
- monitoring applications,
- digital tools for chronic disease management,
- wearables,
- decision-support systems and data analytics.
This direction is also reflected in the Safe Hearts Plan, which connects prevention and early detection with the use of data, digital tools and emerging technologies.
Cardiovascular Innovation and the Role of Health Hub
The transition towards more preventive and digitally supported models of patient care requires collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers, public organisations and businesses developing new solutions.
As the European Digital Innovation Hub for Health and Pharmaceuticals in Greece, Health Hub supports businesses and organisations in developing, testing and adopting digital health solutions.
The Hub’s ecosystem also includes teams working specifically in cardiovascular health. One example is Cordia Health, a Health Hub partner developing a digital application designed to inform, connect and support people living with heart conditions, with the potential to expand to other chronic conditions in the future.
Cordia Health illustrates how digital innovation can complement clinical care by strengthening access to information, everyday support and patients’ involvement in managing their own health.
Read more about Cordia Health and its collaboration with Health Hub.