Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of mortality and disability, with significant disparities observed across countries. This is particularly true in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), where populations are primarily at high and very high CVD risk. Highlighting modifiable risk factors underscores the urgent need for effective prevention programs. This paper introduces the European Program for Prevention (EPP), an initiative by the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP), designed to address these challenges. The EPP aims to enhance awareness and knowledge of validated preventive healthcare solutions implemented in CEE countries, showcase the region's potential for innovative strategies, and evaluate the adaptability of successful programs for broader implementation. The EPP strongly supports the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, as well as initiatives by the World Heart Federation (WHF) and World Health Organization (WHO), by promoting best practices, early detection, integrated prevention frameworks, training, cross-border cooperation, and policy development. It advocates shifting healthcare priorities towards pre-disease prevention, thus reducing reliance on resource-intensive treatments. The program proposes an optimal CVD prevention system that includes mandatory health education, screening programs for familial hypercholesterolemia and universal Lp(a) screening, and comprehensive check-ups, notably integrated, comprehensive care programs. By leveraging existing validated programs and fostering collaboration, the EPP seeks to reduce the burden of CVD, improve outcomes, and promote cardiovascular health across Europe and beyond.
Source: Global Heart
DOI: 10.5334/gh.1491
Authors: Maciej Banach, Zlatko Fras, Dan Gaita, Ivan Pecin, Gani Bajraktari, Bojko Bjelakovic, Ibadete Bytyci, Richard Ceska, Dragan Djuric, Robert J. Gil, Jacek Jozwiak, Raimondas Kubilius, Gustavs Latkovskis, Olena Mitchenko, Gyorgy Paragh, Daniel Pella, Zaneta Petrulioniene, Arman Postadzhiyan, Anca Pantea Stoian, Piotr Szymański, Margus Viigimaa, Dragos Vinereanu, Branislav Vohnout, Michal Vrablik, Zeljko Reiner, For the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP)
Institutions: John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, University of Prishtina, University of Nis, Klinički centar Niš, Umeå University, Charles University, General University Hospital in Prague, University of Belgrade, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, University of Opole, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, University of Latvia, University of Debrecen, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, Východoslovenský ústav srdcových a cievnych chorôb, a.s., Vilnius University, Medical University of Sofia, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ministry of Interior and Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, North Estonia Medical Centre, Slovak Medical University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,300
OpenAlex ID: W4416229487