FIRST-EVER COMPREHENSIVE SCREENINGS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: CROATIAN PREVENTION MODEL IN THE EUROPEAN SPOTLIGHT

Know Your Numbers: Cardiovascular Health Check Zone

European Parliament, Brussels – April 8, 2026

On April 8, 2026, an important preventive initiative titled Know Your Numbers: Cardiovascular Health Check Zone was held at the European Parliament, led by Member of the European Parliament Romana Jerković, with support from the Croatian Hypertension League and the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH).

For the first time, comprehensive cardio-renal-vascular preventive screenings were conducted in the European Parliament on this scale, bringing prevention directly into the heart of European decision-making.

The initiative is based on the Croatian model Hunting the Silent Killer, implemented by the Croatian Hypertension League for seven years, confirming its value as an example of best practice at the European level.

A total of 70 participants were screened, receiving immediate results and individualized advice, highlighting the importance of early detection and timely intervention.

First Time Such Scope of Screenings in the European Parliament

This event represents an important milestone:

For the first time in the European Parliament, such comprehensive cardio-renal-vascular screenings were conducted, with a large number of measurements performed in one place.

Participants underwent a series of measurements, including:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Glucose
• HbA1c
• Body composition analysis
• Lipoprotein (a)
• Albumin/creatinine ratio
   

All participants received immediate results, along with personalized recommendations and advice on further steps and lifestyle changes.

This integrated approach demonstrates how prevention can be implemented quickly, efficiently, comprehensively and in a person-centered manner, in line with modern public health approaches.

From Croatian Model to European Level

At the core of the initiative is the campaign “Hunting the Silent Killer”, which the Croatian Hypertension League has been implementing for seven years.

What began as a national public health campaign is now recognized as:

• a successful prevention model
• an example of best practice
• an approach transferable to the European level
   

This event clearly demonstrated how Croatian experience can contribute to shaping European health policies.

Collaboration of Experts and Volunteers

More than 8 healthcare professionals participated in the implementation of the initiative, with significant contributions from:

• volunteers of the Croatian Hypertension League
• students of the University of Zagreb School of Medicine
   

Their dedication ensured high-quality implementation of the screenings and direct communication with participants.
 

More Than Measurements: Empowerment Through Knowledge

The event was not only about measurements — it was also about education.

Participants received:

• immediate results
• individualized advice
• guidance for follow-up and lifestyle changes
   

This further emphasized a key message:
Many risk factors remain invisible — but they are measurable and preventable.

Conclusion

The Know Your Numbers initiative, known in Croatia as “Do You Know Your Number” and an important part of “Hunting the Silent Killer”, has shown that prevention can and should be part of decision-making environments.

By conducting cardio-renal-vascular screenings on this scale for the first time in the European Parliament, an important standard has been set for future activities.

This event confirms that:

• prevention must be a priority in health policies
• national models can have a European impact
• concrete actions can bring real changes