A joint seminar on Heart Valve Disease in Europe: Creating a Better Patient Journey, hosted by Global Heart Hub and MEP Brando Benifei, Co-Chair of the MEP Heart Group, will take place on 27 April 2022 from 15:30-17:30 CET at TownHall Europe, Sq. de Meeûs 5, Brussels 1000, Belgium.

This event will provide an opportunity for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and policy makers, patient organisations, clinicians and researchers to discuss the Heart Valve Disease Report: Working Together To Create A Better Journey and discuss the recommendations it contains at both European and national level. The report provides clear guidance to decision makers on what they can do to reduce the burden that heart valve disease will place on our families and communities in the years to come. We hope it can also serve as a tool for all people living with this disease to encourage them to seek optimal care for themselves and to advocate for better care for others.

“13% of people over the age of 75 are thought to be living with heart valve disease in Europe, and this number is expected to double by 2040 and triple by 2060. Despite the burden and impact of heart valve disease, this condition has not been prioritised to the extent required in terms of early diagnosis, timely treatment and access to innovative treatment options. We are delighted to collaborate with MEP Brando Benifei at this special event to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with heart valve disease in Europe and to highlight key recommendations for the optimal patient pathway of care.” says Neil Johnson, Global Heart Hub Executive Director.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Dr Marta Sitges (Director of the Cardiovascular Institute Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona) Mr Jens Näumann (Managing Director of Initiative Herzklappe); Dr Suzanne Wait (Managing Director of the Health Policy Partnership) Prof Ruggero De Paulis (Director of the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Unicamillus University).