Greece

Cardiomyopathies are often neglected despite the significant burden they pose on individuals and society in Greece and other countries. However, through enhanced awareness, detection, and healthcare provision, the impact and prevalence of those diseases could be reduced.

The Cardiomyopathies Matter Greece initiative aims at raising awareness about the health, economic, and social burden of cardiomyopathies. Its primary focus lies in promoting policy recommendations towards improving prevention, early diagnosis, and management of these conditions while serving equitable access to innovative therapies and rehabilitation solutions. By enhancing policies around these diseases, the initiative seeks to address the needs of patients, families, and healthcare system.

In Greece, the Cardiomyopathies Matter coalition operates under the scientific supervision of the National Network for Precision Medicine in Cardiology. This collaborative initiative brings together key organizations, including the Greek Patients Association, the Greek Alliance for Rare Diseases and the Greek Association of Heart Disease Patients.

Launched in December 2024, the Greek Cardiomyopathies Matter Roadmap was developed with contributions from the following experts of the field of cardiology. It identifies major challenges and opportunities for improving the continuum of care for patients in Greece. By highlighting the significant epidemiological and social impact of cardiomyopathies—which affect approximately 1 in 330 people in Europe—the report provides evidence-based policy recommendations at a national level. Its goals include raising public awareness, improving access to accurate diagnosis, and delivering high-quality treatment, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and relieving the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Expert contributors

Prof Panagiotis Vardas

Professor of Cardiology. Coordinator of the Cardiology Division, Hygeia Group, HNG; Former President of the European Society of Cardiology (2012–2014)

Prof Charalambos Vlachopoulos

Cardiologist, Head of the Unit for Cardiogenetics and Sports Cardiology (EKKAN), First University Cardiology Clinic, University of Athens (NKUA), Hippokration Hospital

Prof Aristidis Anastasakis

Cardiologist, Scientific Director, Unit of Hereditary Heart Diseases, Deputy Director of the Cardiology Division, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center

Prof Alexandros Kasiakogias

Cardiologist, Lecturer, Unit for Cardiogenetics and Sports Cardiology (EKKAN), First University Cardiology Clinic, University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital