[Update on cardiovascular prevention 2025]

Despite an expensive healthcare system Germany performs poorly with respect to life-expectancy compared to other countries, for which cardiovascular diseases and deficits in cardiovascular prevention in particular are responsible. The basis of cardiovascular prevention is a healthy lifestyle with regular physical exercise, a predominantly plant-based diet, nonsmoking, good sleep and mental health. In many cases additional lipid-lowering, antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications are necessary. Recent studies have proven the prognostic effects of different groups of medications, such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, in the appropriate indication areas. To improve the cardiovascular prevention in Germany, intensified public efforts are crucial. In addition, individual support of patients is effective for long-term preventive measures. To achieve this healthcare professionals must be trained (physicians, cardiovascular prevention assistants), who can sustainably support patients in lifestyle modifications and medicinal prevention.