Despite being the world’s leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains underestimated and poorly understood, with many people delaying care or overlooking symptoms until they become serious.
As part of Daiichi Sankyo Europe’s ongoing commitment to improving cardiovascular care we developed the 2025 “European Heart Health Survey – Public Perceptions on Cardiovascular Care”. With input from over 8,500 respondents across 6 different European countries, it reveals some critical challenges including how psychological barriers, lack of awareness, systemic limitations, and even gender disparities are preventing patients from receiving timely care. But it also points toward a powerful solution: co-creation - a collaborative approach that brings together patients, healthcare providers, advocacy organisations, and industry leaders to transform heart health from the ground up.
One of the most striking insights from the survey is that a third of patients have already experienced a cardiac event or been told they are at high risk of CVD. Yet, more than a quarter of those experiencing cardiovascular symptoms never contacted a healthcare professional. What’s holding them back?
These are not just statistics, they represent missed chances to prevent, treat, and manage a condition that, in many cases, is entirely manageable with early intervention.
Even more concerning is the lack of confidence many people have in managing their own cardiovascular health. One in four individuals doesn’t feel confident doing so, with men reporting lower confidence than women. Meanwhile, women are significantly more likely to cite stress as a key barrier to maintaining heart health, a reminder that mental well-being is closely tied to physical outcomes.
Gender disparities also appear in how patients are supported. While two-thirds of men report being offered advice about their cardiovascular risk, only half of women say the same. This unequal engagement contributes to knowledge gaps: more than half of all patients (53%) are unaware of gender differences in CVD symptoms, and awareness drops sharply with age - only 15% of those over 65 recognise symptom variation between men and women.
When it comes to understanding symptoms, there’s still a long way to go. Nearly one in five patients say they are unfamiliar with the signs of cardiovascular disease, even though chest pain and shortness of breath are widely recognised. In some countries, like Italy and Belgium, over 20% of respondents admitted low awareness. And while women generally report greater symptom awareness, they are less likely than men to receive counselling about cardiovascular risk.
The solution lies in co-creation, an approach that centres on partnerships, patient empowerment, and open communication. At the heart of this vision is a shared belief: that better heart health is possible when we listen, learn, and act together.
With a focus on cardiovascular innovation, Daiichi Sankyo is investing in partnerships that put patients first and break down the barriers revealed in the survey. Daiichi Sankyo’s partnership with Women as One seeks to address gender disparities in both research and care. By elevating female clinicians, promoting gender-equitable research, and addressing the unique risks women face, the initiative helps ensure that women are no longer left behind in cardiovascular health.
Through our collaboration with Global Heart Hub, Daiichi Sankyo is supporting campaigns that increase public awareness, encourage earlier diagnosis, and foster open dialogue between patients and doctors. These efforts aim to ensure that no one feels alone or unheard when it comes to their heart health.
At Daiichi Sankyo, our commitment is clear. We will lead by example, foster meaningful partnerships, and support initiatives that transform cardiovascular care from a series of isolated interactions into a collaborative, patient-first journey.
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