PARIS, 25 Dec. - (ANA) - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability in the European Union, with significant geographic, gender and socio?economic disparities in outcomes and care. 

 

Despite progress in prevention and treatment, the COVID?19 pandemic reversed some gains, and most countries still face challenges in ensuring effective prevention, early detection, access to acute care and long?term management. 

 

The economic and social burden of CVD is immense, driven by premature mortality, lost productivity and high healthcare costs.

 

While digital health tools, AI and remote monitoring offer promising innovations, their integration into national systems remains limited. 

 

Cross?sectoral prevention policies implemented across the life course and a growing emphasis on people?centred care and rehabilitation are critical levers to reduce the burden of CVD and improve long?term outcomes in Europe.   - (ANA) -

 

 

To download the full report, visit: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/12/the-state-of-cardiovascular-health-in-the-european-union_6fb915f3/ea7a15f4-en.pdf

 

 

AB/ANA/25 December 2025 - - -