Why heart health matters in Germany

Heart and circulatory diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in Germany and account for a substantial share of hospital admissions and chronic disability. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and national heart reports show that coronary heart disease (KHK) and heart failure remain major public-health challenges; in 2023 KHK accounted for a large number of deaths and the age-standardised mortality has been closely monitored by the RKI. ([rki.de](https://www.rki.de/DE/Aktuelles/Neuigkeiten-und-Presse/Meldungen/Archiv/2025-06-11_JHealthMonit-Koronare_Herzkrankheit_Mortalitaet.html?utm_source=openai))

What the Deutsche Herzstiftung recommends

The Deutsche Herzstiftung (German Heart Foundation) provides patient-facing, evidence‑based recommendations that align with European cardiology guidance. Key public recommendations emphasised repeatedly in the Heart Foundation materials include:

• Know your risk. Regular check-ups to measure blood pressure, fasting glucose (reported in mg/dL in this article; 100 mg/dL ≈ 5.6 mmol/L) and cholesterol help identify risk early. The Heart Foundation recommends discussing SCORE2 risk assessment with your GP if aged 40+. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/de/deutsche-herzstiftung-e-v/pressreleases/herzgesundheit-ist-kein-zufall-jetzt-gegen-big-five-risikofaktoren-fuer-herzinfarkt-aktiv-werden-3406339?utm_source=openai))
• Control blood pressure. High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor — manage it through lifestyle measures and medications when necessary. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/de/deutsche-herzstiftung-e-v/pressreleases/risiko-fuer-herzinfarkt-und-ploetzlichen-herztod-senken-aerzte-raten-zu-diesen-acht-massnahmen-3411837?utm_source=openai))
• Lower LDL cholesterol to target levels. For people at high cardiovascular risk, guideline-directed LDL‑C reduction with statins (and newer agents when indicated) is recommended. The Herzstiftung supports risk‑adapted lipid lowering. ([deutschesgesundheitsportal.de](https://www.deutschesgesundheitsportal.de/2026/04/22/infarkt-risiko-ldl-cholesterinsenkung-selten-und-lueckenhaft/?utm_source=openai))
• Prevent and manage diabetes. The Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft (DDG) stresses the tight link between diabetes and heart disease; early detection and glucose control — and modern cardioprotective diabetes drugs when indicated — reduce cardiovascular events. Blood sugar targets should be individualized; remember values are given here in mg/dL. ([ddg.info](https://www.ddg.info/die-ddg/arbeitsgemeinschaften/diabetes-herz?utm_source=openai))
• Quit smoking and reduce second‑hand smoke exposure. Smoking cessation is among the most effective actions to reduce heart attack risk. The Herzstiftung promotes national tobacco control and individual cessation support. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/de/deutsche-herzstiftung-e-v/pressreleases/herzgesundheit-ist-kein-zufall-jetzt-gegen-big-five-risikofaktoren-fuer-herzinfarkt-aktiv-werden-3406339?utm_source=openai))
• Adopt heart‑healthy eating and reduce salt. The Heart Foundation and German agencies recommend a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and limited processed foods; the BfR and DGE support measures to reduce salt content of processed foods to lower population hypertension. ([bfr.bund.de](https://www.bfr.bund.de/stellungnahme/salz-mit-kalium-oder-natriumjodat-die-vereinfachte-angabe-jodsalz-ist-aus-gesundheitlicher-sicht-ausreichend/?utm_source=openai))
• Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. At least 150 minutes/week of moderate activity, resistance training two times per week and limiting prolonged sitting. The German rehabilitation and prevention societies provide heart-specific exercise guidance (Herzsport, cardiac rehab). ([dgpr.de](https://www.dgpr.de/fileadmin/files/DGPR/PDF-Files/Herzgesundes-Bewegen.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Vaccinate (influenza, COVID-19 as appropriate). Seasonal influenza vaccination reduces cardiovascular complications in cardiac patients and is recommended for people with heart disease. The Herzstiftung supports vaccination as part of heart care. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/de/deutsche-herzstiftung-e-v/pressreleases/risiko-fuer-herzinfarkt-und-ploetzlichen-herztod-senken-aerzte-raten-zu-diesen-acht-massnahmen-3411837?utm_source=openai))

Practical, evidence-based actions for people in Germany

The Deutsche Herzstiftung focuses on practical measures you can use today. Here is an action checklist with short explanations tailored to life in Germany.

1. Book a health check (Check-up 35) or GP visit. If you are 35 or older, the statutory health insurance offers a periodic health check (frequently every three years) that includes blood pressure, basic blood tests and risk counselling; use this visit to ask about SCORE2 risk and cardiovascular prevention. For those younger than 35, many insurers offer one-time preventive checks; check your insurer’s policies. ([meine-krankenkasse.de](https://www.meine-krankenkasse.de/leistungen/unsere-leistungen/leistungen-von-a-bis-z/check-up?utm_source=openai))
2. Measure and monitor blood pressure at home. A validated upper-arm cuff and keeping a log helps your GP decide on treatment. Many Germans use home monitors; pharmacies and GP practices can advise. Aim for the blood-pressure target set by your clinician (often <140/90 mmHg for many adults, lower targets for high-risk patients under clinical guidance). ([academic.oup.com](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713?utm_source=openai))
3. Know your laboratory numbers: LDL, fasting glucose (mg/dL), HbA1c, creatinine. Bring printed reports to appointments. The DDG and cardiology guidelines stress combining these numbers with overall risk to decide treatment. In Germany, labs routinely report mmol/L for glucose; if using mg/dL, remember 1 mmol/L ≈ 18 mg/dL (so 100 mg/dL ≈ 5.6 mmol/L). Use mg/dL if you prefer — but discuss units with your clinician. ([ddg.info](https://www.ddg.info/fileadmin/user_upload/05_Behandlung/01_Leitlinien/Englische_Leitlinien/Diabetes_and_the_Heart.pdf?utm_source=openai))
4. Make salt and processed-food reductions. Reduce ready-made meals, sausages and processed cheese; cook more with fresh ingredients and herbs. The BfR has urged food-industry salt reduction to lower population blood pressure and stroke risk. ([bfr.bund.de](https://www.bfr.bund.de/stellungnahme/salz-mit-kalium-oder-natriumjodat-die-vereinfachte-angabe-jodsalz-ist-aus-gesundheitlicher-sicht-ausreichend/?utm_source=openai))
5. Adopt a Mediterranean-style plate. More vegetables, pulses, oily fish (e.g., herring, salmon), whole grains, nuts; limit red/processed meat and sugary beverages. The DGE and Heart Foundation promote these principles. ([dge.de](https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/dge-leitlinien/leitlinie-kohlenhydrate/?utm_source=openai))
6. Stop smoking using local supports. Germany offers behavioural counseling and pharmacotherapy covered in part by many insurers; ask your Hausarzt or a smoking-cessation service (Rauchfrei programs). Quitting early greatly lowers cardiovascular risk. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/de/deutsche-herzstiftung-e-v/pressreleases/herzgesundheit-ist-kein-zufall-jetzt-gegen-big-five-risikofaktoren-fuer-herzinfarkt-aktiv-werden-3406339?utm_source=openai))
7. Start or maintain regular physical activity. Aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate activity/week and muscle-strengthening twice weekly. Join local heart sport (Herzsport) groups after cardiac events — these programs are integrated into German rehabilitation pathways. ([dgpr.de](https://www.dgpr.de/fileadmin/files/DGPR/PDF-Files/Herzgesundes-Bewegen.pdf?utm_source=openai))
8. Follow medication plans and understand side effects. If prescribed statins, blood-pressure medications, antiplatelets or cardiometabolic drugs, take them as directed and discuss side effects with your physician rather than stopping. The Deutsche Herzstiftung promotes informed medication adherence. ([herzstiftung.de](https://herzstiftung.de/Koronare-Herzkrankheit-Sonderband.html?utm_source=openai))

Screening, check-ups and the German health system

Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV) provides structured opportunities for prevention and follow-up:

• Check-up 35: A basic preventive health check offered to insured adults that includes history, blood pressure measurement, and blood tests when warranted — a practical gateway to detect hypertension, hyperlipidaemia or hyperglycaemia early. Use it to raise heart-specific concerns with your GP. ([meine-krankenkasse.de](https://www.meine-krankenkasse.de/leistungen/unsere-leistungen/leistungen-von-a-bis-z/check-up?utm_source=openai))
• Disease‑management programmes (DMPs): For chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, structured DMPs help standardise evidence-based follow-up and reduce complications. The DDG is active in shaping diabetes care standards in these programmes. ([ddg.info](https://www.ddg.info/fileadmin/user_upload/05_Behandlung/01_Leitlinien/Praxisempfehlungen/2024/dus_2024_Praxisempfehlungen_Ausgabe_gesamt.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Cardiac rehabilitation and Herzsport: After heart events, Germany has established rehabilitation pathways that include supervised exercise, education and return-to-work planning — important for long-term outcomes. ([herzmedizin.de](https://herzmedizin.de/meta/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/herzbericht-2025?utm_source=openai))

Special populations: diabetes, women, migrants, and older adults

Cardiovascular risk is modified by coexisting conditions and life stage:

• People with diabetes: Diabetes substantially increases cardiovascular risk. The DDG advises integrated cardiometabolic risk assessment and use of treatments with proven cardiovascular benefit (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP‑1 receptor agonists in appropriate patients) according to current guidance. For blood sugar, German labs may report mmol/L; here we use mg/dL as requested — example: an HbA1c of 7% corresponds to average glucose ~154 mg/dL. Discuss individualized glycaemic and cardiovascular risk targets with your diabetes team. ([ddg.info](https://www.ddg.info/fileadmin/user_upload/05_Behandlung/01_Leitlinien/Englische_Leitlinien/Diabetes_and_the_Heart.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Women: Heart disease can present differently in women; pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, autoimmune disease and later-life risk factors alter lifetime risk. Specialized women's heart medicine services exist in German centres to address these differences. ([dhzc.charite.de](https://www.dhzc.charite.de/frauenherzmedizin/?utm_source=openai))
• Older adults: Use SCORE2-OP (older persons) for risk estimation and individualise targets; prevention remains beneficial even at advanced ages. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8248997/?utm_source=openai))
• People with migration backgrounds and multilingual needs: Ensure language-appropriate counselling and use translated patient information (the Deutsche Herzstiftung and major clinics often provide materials in English). Community outreach increases preventive uptake. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11382529/?utm_source=openai))

When lifestyle is not enough: medications & German/European guidelines

Where lifestyle change is insufficient to reduce risk, guideline-based pharmacotherapy is essential. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prevention guidelines and German specialist societies inform when to start statins, antihypertensives, antiplatelet therapy and cardioprotective diabetes drugs. SCORE2 is the recommended risk calculator to guide primary prevention decisions in Europe (and adopted by German clinicians). Discuss benefits and risks with your doctor — German societies (DGK, DGIM, DDG) publish guidance adapted for local practice. ([academic.oup.com](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713?utm_source=openai))

Common myths and misconceptions

• Myth: "If I feel fine, my heart is fine." Reality: Atherosclerosis can be silent for years — objective checks matter. ([herzmedizin.de](https://herzmedizin.de/fuer-patienten-und-interessierte/vorsorge/risikofaktoren/risiko-herz-kreislauf-erkrankungen?utm_source=openai))
• Myth: "Natural remedies are enough." Reality: Lifestyle helps but medication can be life‑saving for high-risk people; combine approaches under medical supervision. ([academic.oup.com](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713?utm_source=openai))
• Myth: "Low salt is irrelevant." Reality: Reducing population salt intake lowers average blood pressure and cardiovascular events; German authorities like the BfR recommend salt reduction in processed foods. ([bfr.bund.de](https://www.bfr.bund.de/stellungnahme/salz-mit-kalium-oder-natriumjodat-die-vereinfachte-angabe-jodsalz-ist-aus-gesundheitlicher-sicht-ausreichend/?utm_source=openai))

FAQ

1. Q: How often should I have my cholesterol and blood pressure checked?

   A: At least once a year if you have risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history) or as advised by your GP. Otherwise, use the Check-up 35 schedule and discuss an individual plan with your physician. ([meine-krankenkasse.de](https://www.meine-krankenkasse.de/leistungen/unsere-leistungen/leistungen-von-a-bis-z/check-up?utm_source=openai))

2. Q: What fasting blood sugar level in mg/dL should worry me?

   A: A fasting plasma glucose of ≥126 mg/dL on repeat testing indicates diabetes; values 100–125 mg/dL suggest impaired fasting glucose (prediabetes). Use mg/dL units consistently and confirm with your GP. The DDG provides diagnostic thresholds and management pathways. ([ddg.info](https://www.ddg.info/fileadmin/user_upload/05_Behandlung/01_Leitlinien/Englische_Leitlinien/Diabetes_and_the_Heart.pdf?utm_source=openai))

3. Q: Is the influenza vaccine important for people with heart disease?

   A: Yes — influenza can trigger cardiac events. The Deutsche Herzstiftung and medical societies recommend seasonal influenza vaccination for people with cardiovascular disease. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/de/deutsche-herzstiftung-e-v/pressreleases/risiko-fuer-herzinfarkt-und-ploetzlichen-herztod-senken-aerzte-raten-zu-diesen-acht-massnahmen-3411837?utm_source=openai))

4. Q: Are cardiac rehabilitation and Herzsport covered by insurance?

   A: Cardiac rehabilitation following acute events is part of standard care and is usually covered by statutory health insurance; local Herzsport groups are widely available and often recommended as part of long-term secondary prevention. ([herzmedizin.de](https://herzmedizin.de/meta/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/herzbericht-2025?utm_source=openai))

5. Q: How does Germany’s food environment affect heart risk?

   A: Processed foods high in salt and saturated fat contribute to hypertension and dyslipidaemia. German agencies including the BfR and DGE support policies and public advice to reduce salt and promote healthier food choices. Individual and policy measures together reduce risk. ([bfr.bund.de](https://www.bfr.bund.de/stellungnahme/salz-mit-kalium-oder-natriumjodat-die-vereinfachte-angabe-jodsalz-ist-aus-gesundheitlicher-sicht-ausreichend/?utm_source=openai))

Scientific references

The most important primary sources and German organisations referenced in this article (clickable links are provided by the publisher site):

1. Robert Koch Institute — Heart & circulatory disease pages and mortality monitoring. ([rki.de](https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Nichtuebertragbare-Krankheiten/Koerperliche-Gesundheit/Herz-Kreislauf/herz-kreislauf-erkrankungen-node.html?utm_source=openai))
2. Deutsche Herzstiftung — patient recommendations, Heart Weeks and press materials on the “Big Five” risk factors. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/de/deutsche-herzstiftung-e-v/pressreleases/herzgesundheit-ist-kein-zufall-jetzt-gegen-big-five-risikofaktoren-fuer-herzinfarkt-aktiv-werden-3406339?utm_source=openai))
3. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) — 2021/updated Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention; SCORE2 risk calculator. ([academic.oup.com](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713?utm_source=openai))
4. Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft (DDG) — guidance on diabetes and cardiovascular risk. ([ddg.info](https://www.ddg.info/die-ddg/arbeitsgemeinschaften/diabetes-herz?utm_source=openai))
5. BfR (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung) — statements and recommendations on salt reduction and population blood-pressure control. ([bfr.bund.de](https://www.bfr.bund.de/stellungnahme/salz-mit-kalium-oder-natriumjodat-die-vereinfachte-angabe-jodsalz-ist-aus-gesundheitlicher-sicht-ausreichend/?utm_source=openai))
6. Deutscher Herzbericht / DGPR data on rehabilitation and prevalence of risk factors among cardiac patients. ([herzmedizin.de](https://herzmedizin.de/meta/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/herzbericht-2025?utm_source=openai))
7. DGIM / DGK / national guideline sources — position papers and guideline catalogues relevant to cardiology and internal medicine in Germany. ([dgim.de](https://www.dgim.de/ueber-uns/kommissionen/leitlinien?utm_source=openai))
8. WHO fact sheet on cardiovascular diseases and global context. ([who.int](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-%28cvds%29?utm_source=openai))
9. Additional European/International reviews on SCORE2 and risk estimation (JACC, European Heart Journal, PubMed articles). ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36441402/?utm_source=openai))
10. Information on Check-up 35 and the German preventive check system (various GKV and health‑policy sources). ([meine-krankenkasse.de](https://www.meine-krankenkasse.de/leistungen/unsere-leistungen/leistungen-von-a-bis-z/check-up?utm_source=openai))

Note: This article cites national German organisations and international guideline groups to reflect current expert consensus for Germany-based readers. For direct links to these sources, see the reference list provided on the publisher page where this article will appear.

Medical disclaimer

This article is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal medical decisions require consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your history. If you have acute chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or other emergency symptoms, call the German emergency number (112) or seek immediate medical attention.