16 May Exchange with patients for a better cardiovascular health policy

On the occasion of #HeartFailureAwarenessDays, I have joined the campaign "From Failure to Future" of the @EuropeanHeartNetwork. Together with patients and colleagues from the European Parliament, we are campaigning for a better cardiovascular health policy - with people at the center.

I spoke to Caius Ovidiu Merșa, a heart failure survivor and representative of the Romanian Heart Foundation. His story impressively shows how important it is to actively involve those affected in political decisions.

Prevention is a key issue here. Many cardiovascular diseases can be prevented or at least mitigated through early education, a healthy lifestyle and timely medical care. Prevention must become an integral part of our health policy - not only in the medical field, but also in education and nutrition policy.

It is clear to me that anyone who wants to empower patients must listen to their voices - not only in the provision of care, but also in the design of preventative measures. Their experiences are indispensable if we want to create sustainable, people-oriented healthcare solutions.