Question for written answer E-005136/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Maria da Graça Carvalho (PPE), Brando Benifei (S&D)
Subject: Towards an EU joint action on the early detection of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for 1.8 million deaths in the EU every year, with close to 13 million new cases annually. Primary preventative measures, such as living a healthy lifestyle, are extremely important factors in preventing CVDs. However, they do not always solve the problem, as many cardiac disorders can either be inherited or are linked to functional decline due to ageing.
Most CVDs have better prognosis, higher treatment success and lower social cost if diagnosed and treated early. Diagnosing people who may be at risk of CVDs before the disease has developed is extremely important in reducing morbidity and mortality. By focusing on early detection, the impact of the disease can be reduced, and any critical and permanent damage avoided. Early detection is therefore an important tool, in addition to primary prevention, towards improving the cardiovascular health of EU citizens.
1. Will the Commission allocate EU4Health funds to a joint action between Member States on improving the early detection of CVDs?
2. In the Commission’s view, what are the barriers and challenges to a lack of early detection and poor access to diagnostic, heart and vascular health checks across the EU?