GPcardio
The Global Primary Care Cardiovascular Network
The Global Primary Care Cardio Network (GPcardio) is a collaborative initiative by EPCCS and IPCCS, dedicated to connecting healthcare professionals and organizations in primary care. Our mission is to tackle the growing burden of cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, and cardiorenal diseases by enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and guideline implementation.
With approximately 90% of cardiovascular patients diagnosed and managed in primary care, general practitioners and primary care professionals play a crucial role. On average, one-third of daily consultations involve patients with cardiovascular conditions. However, while international guidelines are often developed by specialist societies, their implementation in primary care is frequently delayed, as highlighted in a recent EPCCS Council meeting.
Empowering Primary Care in Cardiovascular Health
The EPCCS and IPCCS recognize the critical role of primary care in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases and related conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and obesity.
The leading behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. These behaviors contribute to intermediate risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, abnormal lipid levels, and obesity, all of which can be identified and monitored in primary care. Detecting and managing these risks early is essential to preventing heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and other complications.
By uniting our efforts, we believe we can strengthen the role of primary care and make a lasting impact in reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease. Join us in driving change and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
GPcardio Activities
GPcardio, on behalf of EPCCS & IPCCS, is dedicated to strengthening primary care’s role in cardiovascular health through the following key activities:
- Practical Guidance for Primary Care
Developing positioning documents that translate specialist guidelines into practical, applicable strategies for primary care.
- European Primary Care Cardiovascual Journal
The new online journal, to be launched in 2026, aims to provide a central portal for all scientific and clinical research focussed on primary care and cardiovascular disease and thereby encourage and facilitate research initiatives.
- Annual EPCCS Summit
Exploring the relaunch of our annual meetings, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among primary care professionals. The first Summit wil be held in Palma de Mallorca on February 26-27, 2027 in collaboration with the Spanish Primary care society SEMERGEN.
- Collaborartion with societies
The EPCCS is actively establishing professional partnerships with different relevant societies, including ESC, ACC and WONCA. Also we recently joined the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH)
- Endorsement of Education
Supporting, sharing, and endorsing high-quality educational programs relevant to primary care, including those developed by third parties.
- Participation in International Guideline Development
Ensuring the voice of primary care is represented in the development of international cardiovascular guidelines.
- Webinars
Providing regular updates on the latest developments in cardiovascular medicine, tailored for primary care practitioners.
- Partners in Research
Actively representing primary care in cardiovascular research initiatives, such as STRATIFYHF, to advance evidence-based practice.
By engaging in these activities GPcardio is committed to empowering primary care professionals with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to improve cardiovascular outcomes worldwide.