Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death and disability across the world, leading to 1 in 3 deaths. By focusing policies and practices on modifiable risk factors, there are numerous global opportunities to address cardiovascular disease, resulting in significant positive impacts in morbidity and mortality.

2025 GCNLF Virtual Meeting

PCNA is leading the charge to empower nurses to help patients reduce their risk through the Global Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Forum (GCNLF). A project of PCNA, GCNLF is one arm of PCNA’s longtime international efforts, bringing together individuals interested in addressing this global health crisis.

In September 2025, GCNLF virtually connected global leaders in nursing to build capacity and to share scalable best practices in advocacy, clinical/research, and leadership. Individuals from 10 different countries attended the 2-day event, which included the following sessions available through the links below.

The Role of Nurses in Global Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Salim Virani, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA, FASPC, presented Global Cardiovascular Disease Pulse and the Evolving Role of Nurses in the Fight Against Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Virani shared a clear, up-to-date view of the global cardiovascular disease trends and the disparities shaping outcomes worldwide. Dr. Virani discussed innovative, team-based care models and real-world examples demonstrating measurable improvements across the continuum of care. Details from this presentation can assist healthcare professionals in gaining actionable insights to strengthen their practice and contribute to building a more prepared, empowered cardiovascular nursing workforce.

The Impacts of Socioeconomic Disparities

In the session Bridging the Gaps: Nurses Poised to Advance Equitable Cardiovascular Care Across Varying Economic Status Nations, Yvonne Commodore Mensah, PhD, MHS, RN, FAHA, FAAN, FPCNA, described practical, evidence-based approaches to address how socioeconomic disparities shape cardiovascular prevention, diagnosis and treatment worldwide. Dr. Commodore Mensah also shared adaptable interventions for low-resource settings, and strategies for advocating for equitable policy change, empowering the audience to strengthen cardiovascular outcomes and deliver more equitable care in diverse global contexts.

Elevated Lipids and Cardiovascular Risk

Helping participants understand more about elevated LDL-C and Lp(a) and the role in CV risk was the goal of Susan Halli Demeter, DNP, BSN, RN, FNP-BC, CLS. In partnership with FH Europe and the Global Heart Hub, the presentation Unmasking Hidden Risks: Addressing Elevated LDL-C and Lipoprotein(a) in Global Cardiovascular Care focused on strengthening the lipid management expertise of the attendees. Susan explored how nurses recognize the clinical significance of elevated LDL-C and Lp(a), and the impact of these on global cardiovascular risk. Using real-world perspectives and evidence-based practices, attendees learned how to detect lipid disorders earlier, as well as how to engage patients with clear, personalized education to mitigate hidden cardiovascular risks.

Additional Presentations Addressing Global CVD Impacts

The program was rounded out by the following presentations:

• Sandi Dunbar, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAHA, FPCNA, Contemporary Perspectives on Preparing Nurse Leaders for CVD Prevention
• James Muchira, PhD, MSN, A Life Course Approach to CVD Prevention
• Erin Ferranti, PhD, MPH, RN, CDCES, FAHA, FAAN, FPCNA, A Call to Action for Nursing: Multi-Level Policies
• Jeroen Hendriks, PhD, MSc, RN, FESC, FCSANZ, FAAN, A Review and Promise of Digital Health Technologies to Promote Global CVD Health
• Yuling Chen, PhD, Community-Based/Public Health Prevention Initiatives

PCNA is grateful to the sponsors of the Sept. 2025 GCNLF virtual event: Amgen, and Merck & Co, Inc.

Global Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Forum

Recognizing that nurses and nursing organizations are on the front lines of patient education, the GCNLF works to engage and mobilize an international community of nursing leaders to promote prevention through research, education, policy, and advocacy.

Find out more about the Global Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Forum and ongoing projects at gcnlf.org.