Abstract When you understand the problem, you can implement effective actions. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are among the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs), placing a significant burden on healthcare systems across EU Member States (MSs). The estimated annual health and long-term care costs for CVDs are €155 billion - 11% of total health expenditures - while DM adds another €150 billion. These figures do not include the substantial economic impact of lost productivity due to sick leave, early retirement, and informal care. Beyond the financial strain, CVDs and DM also hinder socioeconomic development and contribute to health inequities. Despite their substantial impact, only 0.4% of GDP is allocated to prevention efforts in EU MSs, compared to 8% spent on healthcare costs. A large share of CVD and DM cases are preventable and treatable through early detection of key risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and glucose levels, obesity, and health determinants. Risk assessment tools, such as the Framingham Risk Score, ESC SCORE2 for CVDs, and FINDRISC for DM play a crucial role in predicting individual disease risk and guiding targeted prevention strategies. Strengthening screening policies and strategies is critical in reducing disease burden and pressure on healthcare systems. Despite the benefits of early detection, screening initiatives remain scarce and inconsistently implemented. Some countries rely on outdated health data, and systematic information on opportunistic and structured screening efforts are lacking. Addressing these challenges requires improved monitoring and tailored screening approaches to ensure equitable prevention strategies. This workshop will bring together experts to discuss the burden of CVDs and DM, the role of risk assessment tools, and the challenges of screening high-risk populations. The session features: 1. The Cost of Inaction: Understanding the Burden of CVD and Diabetes - An overview of the economic, social, and healthcare burden of CVDs and DM, highlighting the potential impact of preventive strategies. 2. From Prediction to Prevention: Strengths and Limitations of Risk Calculators - A discussion on existing risk assessment tools and their application in practice. 3. Breaking Barriers: Addressing Screening Challenges among Populations in Vulnerable Situations - A focus on the challenges of reaching high-risk groups, particularly migrants, and strategies for improving screening efforts. The session will conclude with a panel discussion featuring pilot leaders from EU Joint Action on CARdiovascular diseases and DIabetes (JACARDI), who will share insights on translating evidence into action, and explore ways to enhance risk monitoring and screening for high-risk populations. JACARDI was launched in 2023 and aims to support European countries in reducing the burden of CVDs and DM at both individual and health system levels. Key messages • Prevention pays off: CVDs and diabetes cost the EU over €450B annually, yet only 0.4% of GDP goes to prevention. Strengthening screening can reduce disease burden and healthcare costs. • Early detection saves lives: Most CVD and diabetes cases are preventable. Risk assessment tools and improved screening help target high-risk groups, ensuring better health outcomes and equity.
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