Saving limbs and lives: IR in support of the EU Safe Hearts Plan

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Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain Europe’s leading cause of death, claiming approximately 1.7 million lives each year and costing the EU over EUR 282 billion annually in healthcare expenditure, lost productivity and economic output. In response, the European Commission launched the EU Safe Hearts Plan, setting out a long-term framework for cardiovascular prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and care across the EU. Over the coming years, its flagship initiatives will shape the implementation of the EU cardiovascular policy agenda.

While the plan represents a major opportunity to improve cardiovascular outcomes, vascular diseases – including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery stenosis and aortic pathologies – remain an important but often under-recognised component of the cardiovascular burden. Despite their significant impact on patients, including the risk of avoidable complications and amputations, they are not yet sufficiently reflected in EU cardiovascular policy discussions and care pathway frameworks.

CIRSE is therefore organizing a roundtable at the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Aurelijus Veryga (ECR, Lithuania). The event aims to support the Plan’s implementation by raising awareness among EU policymakers of the vascular disease burden in Europe, demonstrating the clinical and economic value of interventional radiology as a minimally invasive, cost-effective and patient-centred approach to vascular disease, and identifying practical ways to integrate vascular care into future EU cardiovascular policy initiatives.

The discussion will bring together EU policymakers, clinical experts and relevant stakeholders to consider how vascular diseases, including peripheral arterial disease, can be more effectively reflected in cardiovascular health checks, referral pathways and the future EU network of Cardiovascular Health Centres.

Confirmed roundtable participants

Event host

CIRSE representatives

Representatives of EU institutions and member states

Representatives from other clinical specialties

For queries about this project, contact us at [email protected]