Advancing lipid management in Europe: insights from the WHF Regional Roundtable Series and country case studies
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Elevated cholesterol remains a major modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), yet lipid targets are unmet in many high- and very-high-risk individuals across Europe. This gap persists despite strong evidence, established guidelines, and effective therapies. To address this, the World Heart Federation (WHF) convened a Regional Europe Roundtable Series, bringing together clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and patient representatives. This review synthesises insights from meetings held in July and August 2025, alongside country case studies.
Key barriers include low awareness, statin misinformation, fragmented care pathways, limited data systems, inequitable access to therapies, and inconsistent policies for familial hypercholesterolaemia detection and management. Despite these challenges, scalable solutions exist, including national strategies, screening programmes, digital referral systems, and integrated prevention initiatives. Strengthening policies, data systems, primary care capacity, public education, and equitable access to therapies will be essential to close the implementation gap in lipid management across Europe.
Summary of challenges and solutions for lipid management in Europe, including unmet targets, fragmented care, limited data, and inequitable access, alongside proposed actions such as national strategies, screening programmes, digital tools, and improved therapy access.
Key barriers include low awareness, statin misinformation, fragmented care pathways, limited data systems, inequitable access to therapies, and inconsistent policies for familial hypercholesterolaemia detection and management. Despite these challenges, scalable solutions exist, including national strategies, screening programmes, digital referral systems, and integrated prevention initiatives. Strengthening policies, data systems, primary care capacity, public education, and equitable access to therapies will be essential to close the implementation gap in lipid management across Europe.
Summary of challenges and solutions for lipid management in Europe, including unmet targets, fragmented care, limited data, and inequitable access, alongside proposed actions such as national strategies, screening programmes, digital tools, and improved therapy access.
Date Issued
2026-04-16
Date Acceptance
2026-03-25
Citation
Global Heart, 2026, 21 (1)
ISSN
2211-8160
Publisher
Ubiquity Press
Start Page
34
Journal / Book Title
Global Heart
Volume
21
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. See http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/42007379
Subjects
cardiovascular disease
health policy
lipids
screening
Humans
Europe
Lipids
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Article Number
34
Date Publish Online
2026-04-16