European Union launches first screening week to combat cardiovascular disease

The European Commission has launched the inaugural European Screening Week, running from September 28 to October 4, 2026. The campaign, titled "Safe Hearts" or "Know Your Numbers," encourages citizens to monitor three key health indicators—blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—to detect cardiovascular risks before symptoms manifest. EU authorities recommend that individuals over the age of 35 undergo regular screenings, particularly those with a family history of heart conditions.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death within the European Union, claiming 1.7 million lives annually and costing the economy over €282 billion. Experts estimate that up to 80% of these cases are preventable through effective management of risk factors like obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol. In Cyprus, recent data highlights a critical situation, with one in ten citizens currently living with a heart condition and one in three at risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.

The initiative aims to reduce premature mortality from heart disease by 25% by 2035. The Commission has issued new recommendations to member states, emphasizing that while tracking these three metrics is vital, individual results should be interpreted by medical professionals in the context of broader health factors.