Unlocking the Benefits of Cardiovascular Health Checks in EU Prevention Strategies

Cardiovascular health checks deliver strong clinical, economic and societal value when delivered as structured, risk-based programmes connected to ongoing care. This approach supports EU cardiovascular prevention strategies by catching cardiometabolic risks early and reducing long-term events. The PwC report for EFPIA’s Cardiovascular Health Platform reviews recent European evidence to guide implementation of the EU Safe Hearts Plan.

How cardiovascular health checks create value

Cardiovascular health checks improve diagnosis rates for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease. Benefits appear most clearly when programmes combine high participation, risk stratification and strong follow-up within primary care. One-off screening without these elements shows limited long-term impact.

Key findings from the evidence

• Risk-enriched or stepwise designs return the highest diagnostic yield compared with routine care.
• Short-term costs rise because of extra testing and treatment, yet modelling projects positive return on investment when uptake stays high and follow-up is effective.
• Societal gains include fewer health inequalities and productivity improvements when programmes reach working-age adults and disadvantaged groups.
• Sustained national efforts, such as Finland’s North Karelia Project and the UK NHS Health Check, demonstrate the largest reductions in cardiovascular events and mortality.

Evidence base

The review examined 41 European studies from the past decade, covering cohort data, randomised trials, observational studies and health-economic models. It focused on complete programme outcomes rather than single biomarkers and excluded non-European settings. This transparent, region-specific approach strengthens credibility for policy decisions.

Practical recommendations

Member States should offer cardiovascular health checks to adults from mid-life onward. Risk information should guide follow-up intensity, multidisciplinary primary-care teams should deliver checks, and structured support should help patients maintain adherence. These steps accelerate Safe Hearts Plan goals and improve cardiometabolic disease management across Europe.

FAQ

How does programme design affect outcomes?
Programmes that combine wide eligibility, risk stratification, high uptake and integrated follow-up produce the greatest reductions in events and the strongest cost-effectiveness.

What limits their impact?
Low participation among disadvantaged groups, weak post-check treatment initiation and concerns about overdiagnosis reduce benefits unless addressed through targeted outreach and coordinated care pathways.

Can they improve health equity?
Yes, when programmes actively engage underserved populations and guarantee effective follow-up. Broad delivery without targeted support risks widening existing gaps.

References

PwC (2024). Unlocking the Value of Cardiovascular Health Checks. Report commissioned by the EFPIA Cardiovascular Health Platform.
EFPIA (2024). Why cardiovascular health checks: the case for EU action. https://www.efpia.eu/news-events/the-efpia-view/efpia-news/why-cardiovascular-health-checks-the-case-for-eu-action/