Vienna, Austria, December 22, 2025 – The European Society of Radiology (ESR), representing over 149,000 radiologists and medical imaging professionals worldwide, warmly welcomes the launch of the Safe Hearts Plan announced by the European Commission on December 16, 2025.
With cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continuing to be the primary cause of death within the European Union, the ESR commends the Commission for establishing the first-ever comprehensive EU-wide approach to tackling this public health crisis.
The Pivotal Role of Medical Imaging in Cardiovascular Care
The ESR emphasizes that the ambitious goals of the Safe Hearts Plan, specifically those regarding early detection, personalized prevention, and the integration of AI, cannot be achieved without the strategic integration of advanced medical imaging.
Radiology is one of the cornerstones of modern cardiology. Techniques such as Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are no longer just diagnostic tools but are essential for early detection and screening, precision treatment for non-invasive interventions, and chronic disease management.
Prof. Andrea Rockall, Chair of the ESR Board of Directors said: “The Safe Hearts Plan marks a historic shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Medical imaging is the ‘eye’ of this transition, providing the clarity needed to detect disease at its earliest, most treatable stages. The ESR stands ready to collaborate with the Commission, Member States, and healthcare organisations”.
Medical imaging is essential to the Safe Hearts Plan, as standardised EU Health Check Protocols will rely on evidence-based imaging, such as low-dose CT, to identify high-risk individuals before cardiac events occur. As a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence, radiology provides the framework needed for the plan’s digital ambitions. The ESR community can support these efforts with the technical and clinical expertise required to ensure that the Incubator for AI translates new technologies into safer, more accurate cardiovascular diagnostics.
The ESR is more prepared than ever to play an active role in the implementation of the Safe Hearts Plan to improve cardiovascular health of Europe’s citizens. We look forward to contributing our scientific expertise and ensuring that the imaging perspective is represented in every pillar of this landmark strategy.
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