Our Why
Cardiovascular diseases claim almost 30,000 lives annually in Belgium, representing 23% of all deaths. With many of the risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking, chronic kidney disease, air pollution, sedentary lifestyles and lack of therapeutic adherence rising, the urgency to act is clear. Without intervention, premature deaths from CVD are projected to increase by 4% in Belgium by 2030.
What if we don’t act?
- Globally, the number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases will increase by 17.46% (measured between 2018 and 2030).
- In Belgium, a 4% increase in deaths implies a rise to 27.341 in absolute terms.
- Health care costs, already accounting for 10.3% of total expenditures, will surge.
- Health inequalities will deepen substantially.
- The strain on healthcare systems and professionals will intensify greatly.
80% of CVD cases are preventable or treatable. Timely, national action can reverse this trend.
“To achieve a 30% reduction in premature cardiovascular mortality in Belgium by 2030.”
BACH’s mission statement is aligned with Belgium’s WHO commitment to reduce premature CVD mortality before the age of 75 by 30% between 2020 and 2030.
What policymakers can do
The time to act is now. With the recently announced Cardiovascular Action Plan in the federal government agreement, Belgium has a unique, time-sensitive opportunity to decisively reduce premature cardiovascular deaths and improve the health of its population. This plan marks an important step — but its success depends on swift, concrete action at every policy level.
Recommendations
Increase the national investment in prevention to at least 5% of the health budget, in line with WHO recommendations.
Belgium currently lags behind the European average, investing only 1.6% of its healthcare budget in prevention. Scaling this up is essential to tackle rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
Develop and operationalise a national CVD registry and strengthen interoperable health data systems.
Policymakers should fast-track the rollout of the Belgian Integrated Health Record (BIHR) and establish a centralised CVD registry, ensuring that reliable, comprehensive data informs clinical care, research, and health policy.
Expand cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs.
Increase the number of rehabilitation centres and integrate digital support services for heart failure, stroke, and other high-burden cardiovascular conditions.
Implement a nationwide Heart Health Check program starting at age 50.
This would be a free, five-yearly check-up conducted by GPs, covering blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, lifestyle habits, and family history, with targeted follow-ups for high-risk individuals.
Prioritise integrated, patient-centred care models that reward outcomes, quality, and collaboration.
Create incentives for healthcare providers to work across disciplines, invest in telemonitoring and community-based care, and recognise multidisciplinary consultations for complex CVD cases.
Improve cardiovascular health literacy and awareness campaigns targeting all age groups.
From schools to workplaces to senior centres, promoting heart-healthy lifestyles and early risk detection should become a national priority.
BACH stands ready to work with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patient groups to ensure that this opportunity is seized.
