Addressing cardiovascular health disparities: global perspectives from the patient community

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of death globally, imposing substantial costs on health-care systems.1 A new Series on inequalities and disparities in cardiovascular health in The Lancet Regional Health–Europe underscores persistent disparities in cardiovascular outcomes among key populations—including women, ethnic minorities, the elderly, and those with mental health conditions—and offers expert recommendations for achieving equitable and integrated care.2–5 Global Heart Hub (GHH), an international alliance of heart patient organisations, welcomes this Series and endorses the call for equity-driven action to overcome the inequities across the entire care pathway in CVD.