ESC Patient Engagement

Focusing on what matters to patients

To achieve its mission of reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease, the ESC established the ESC Patient Forum to ensure that the patients' voice can be reflected in ESC activities.

ESC Congress 2022 - Patient Forum group picture.jpg

The ESC sees patient engagement as a partnership between patients and healthcare professionals that actively supports our mission of reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease. Our aim is to listen and learn from patients how to:

find better ways of implementing evidence
support patient self-management
improve patient outcomes
reduce health inequities

Established in 2018, the ESC Patient Forum brings together 33 patients from 15 countries around Europe. Each patient has personal experience with cardiovascular conditions.

‘’We have much to learn from patients’’, says Prof. Barbara Casadei, ESC Past President. ‘’They are the experts on what it means to experience heart disease’’. Patients’ perspectives can enrich the ESC’s work in many ways, from conveying strong messages through the guidelines to offering accurate and essential information through a dedicated patients’ webpage. Read the full article in Cardiopulse

The ESC Patient Forum is currently led by Prof. Lis Neubeck.

Members of the Patient Forum share what they hope to achieve through the initiative

Gabor Vermes - Dealing with a new lifestyle

Inga Drossart - Soft skills for doctors

Kreena Dhiman - Better informed and connected

Luka Vugrac - The challenge of recovery

Our vision

Patient Forum at the European Heart House - October 2018

The vision is to have professionals and patients working together to make a meaningful contribution to all objectives of the ESC, from congresses and educational resources to ESC guidelines and advocacy. We want to develop and enhance patient engagement so that it is embedded like a golden thread through all ESC activities.

More about the Patient Forum

Read what the Patient Forum does.

Read Patients' Experiences.

ESC educational websites for your Patients.

For any questions related to ESC Patient Engagement, please contact us.

Patient material and support

: Preventive Cardiology Patient Website

Cardiovascular disease is a common condition, accounting for 4 million deaths per year in Europe. Find reliable information and practical advice to prevent cardiovascular disease, manage your health more effectively and live longer, more active lives.

Visit healthy-heart.org

: Heart Failure Patient Website

The heartfailurematters.org website highlights how, with simple changes in lifestyle, a better understanding of heart failure and appropriate treatment, many people live full and active lives. It is time for us to help them take charge of their health.

Visit heartfailurematters.org

: Cardiac Device Patient website

Get access to the information you need to make informed decisions when discussing the implant of a cardiac device with your physician, caregivers and family.

Visit myrhythmdevice.org

: Atrial Fibrillation Patient Website

An educational website designed by health professionals and patients for people suffering from atrial fibrillation. It is also a valuable resource for families and caregivers.

Visit afibmatters.org

: You can't pause a heart website

Your heart continues to be a priority throughout the pandemic. If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, seek care without delay. If you have a chronic heart condition, do not neglect taking your medication or attending scheduled follow-up appointments.

Visit cantpauseaheart.org