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Österreichische Apothekerkammer

ÖAK

Die Österreichische Apothekerkammer ist die zur beruflichen Vertretung und Betreuung sämtlicher in öffentlichen und Anstaltsapotheken Österreichs selbständig und angestellt tätigen Apotheker errichtete öffentlich-rechtliche Körperschaft.

Lobbying Activity

Response to EU cardiovascular health plan

16 Sept 2025

The Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists is the statutory professional representation of more than 7,000 pharmacists working in both community pharmacies and hospital pharmacies in Austria. We make a decisive contribution to the protection and promotion of public health in Austria. Ensuring the reliable supply of medicines and medication safety for the population is our highest priority. Therefore, we ensure that both independent and employed pharmacists guarantee the supply and consultation of medicines through pharmacies. The Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to establish an EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. We strongly support the three proposed key action areas and see pharmacies as essential partners in the execution of related measures. However, we want to especially highlight the potential role of pharmacies for early detection and screening of cardiovascular diseases. A scientific study, conducted by the Medical University of Vienna and recently published in "Preventive Medicine Reports", finds that simple screening tests in pharmacies can identify cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of individuals with an unrecognized risk of cardiovascular diseases among the customers of community pharmacies. This is especially relevant since, despite being the leading contributor to global mortality, cardiovascular diseases remain undetected in many individuals at-risk. By carrying out voluntary point-of care tests on walk-in-customers such as measuring the HbA1c value (blood sugar) and/or the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation 2 (SCORE2) based on age, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, pharmacists could inform customers with increased cardiovascular risk profile and advise them to seek further medical advice. The study therefore highlights the potential role of communtiy pharmacies in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and could serve as a best-practice model supporting the EU initiative on cardiovascular health. Link to the study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12362384/
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Meeting with Günther Sidl (Member of the European Parliament)

29 Feb 2024 · General Exchange of Views