Bringing policy to the clinical stage: HPP at ESC Heart Failure Congress 2026

At the ESC Heart Failure Congress in Barcelona, HPP Founder and Heart Failure Policy Network Director Ed Harding chaired a dynamic, non-promotional symposium sponsored by AstraZeneca. This interactive panel event brought together clinical experts to explore what is needed to reshape and strengthen our health systems to deliver future-ready heart failure care – putting policy firmly on the clinical agenda.

‘If we want better heart failure outcomes, we must bring a vision for policy change and engage decision-makers. This has to be part of what of clinical leaders do, including national heart failure associations and working groups.’ – Ed Harding

Innovative care models and treatment approaches, coupled with emerging policy opportunities – such as the EU’s new Safe Hearts Plan and growing policy interest in integrated cardiovascular, renal and metabolic care – create a powerful window to drive change. But this can only happen if momentum is translated into tangible implementation.

With heart failure prevalence rising and care innovations offering real potential to improve outcomes, the time for policy action is now. The case for change has never been stronger.

Panellists emphasised that the foundations for progress exist, including established advocacy resources, proven care models, and a strong evidence base for addressing heart failure. But greater coordination and advocacy activation are needed to translate these into system-wide impact.

The message from the panellists was clear: success will depend on unified advocacy, with healthcare professionals, advocates and national heart failure associations collaborating on shared priorities to effect change.

By bringing policy and advocacy into a clinical congress setting, this symposium highlighted how the two are critically intertwined. Health systems don’t transform themselves. They are reshaped by those willing to challenge the status quo – and this must include heart failure clinical leaders. To help secure sustainable, system-wide change and ensure that heart failure care is ready for the future, the clinical community must have a seat at the policy table.

^{This non-promotional symposium was produced and funded by AstraZeneca, intended for healthcare professionals only. Z4-83969. May 2026}