FOCUS – EU proposes regular cardiovascular check-ups starting at age 35

BRUSSELS, Sept 28 /ATSH-DPA/ – The European Commission has proposed strengthening preventive screening for cardiovascular disease, recommending that European Union citizens undergo regular health checks from a young age.

Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, strokes and heart failure, remain the leading cause of death and disability in the European Union.

According to official statistics, they cause around 1.7 million deaths a year — nearly one-third of all deaths in the EU.

The Commission estimates that around 62 million people in the EU are affected by these diseases. Key risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking and lack of physical activity.

Under the new prevention strategy, the European Commission has proposed to the 27 member states that they introduce structured cardiovascular health checks.

Under the recommendation, at least one check should be carried out before the age of 35, including blood pressure measurement and blood tests.

Where specific risk factors or a family history exist, checks may be more frequent.

For the 35–64 age group, the Commission recommends systematic checks at least every five years, with a broader assessment of health status.

Alongside cardiovascular risk factors, the checks could also cover reproductive and mental health, kidney and lung function, body mass index and family history.

For people over 65, checks every three to five years are proposed, including more advanced examinations such as electrocardiograms.

“We must help people build good health habits as early in life as possible and detect risk factors sooner,” said European Commissioner for Health Oliver Varhelyi.

He highlighted in particular high levels of smoking and e-cigarette use, as well as rising obesity and lack of physical activity among young people.

The proposal aims for early detection of risk factors and timely intervention to help reduce preventable cardiovascular illness and deaths.