Bridging economics and behavior for cardiovascular wellness

Title : Bridging economics and behavior for cardiovascular wellness

Abstract:

The pursuit of cardiovascular wellness is of paramount global concern, touching the lives of many individuals and societies. Understanding the intricate interplay between economics and behavior in the context of heart health is pivotal for crafting effective strategies to mitigate the burden of cardiovascular diseases. The presentation will embark on an enlightening journey that delves deep into the intersection of two vital domains: behavioral health economics and cardiovascular health. This multidisciplinary exploration will unravel the intricate web of factors that influence the choices individuals make in terms of heart-healthy behaviors and the economic implications of those choices.

Audience Take Away

1. Behavioral Economics of Heart Health: We will delve into the fascinating world of behavioral economics, shedding light on how cognitive biases, decision-making heuristics, and social influences shape our choices related to diet, exercise, and medication adherence. Understanding these nuances is essential for designing interventions that nudge individuals towards heart-healthy behaviors.

2. Economic Impacts of Cardiovascular Disease: A comprehensive analysis of the economic burden imposed by cardiovascular diseases on individuals, families, and healthcare systems will be discussed. This section will highlight the economic incentives and disincentives that influence health-seeking behaviors, preventive measures, and treatment compliance.

3. Policy Interventions: The presentation will showcase successful policy interventions from around the globe that have harnessed insights from behavioral health economics to improve heart health outcomes. These case studies will demonstrate the potential of aligning economic incentives with positive health behaviors.

4. Behavioral Interventions: Practical strategies for leveraging behavioral insights to promote heart-healthy behaviors will be explored. From personalized interventions based on behavioral economics principles to the role of digital health technologies, we will unveil innovative approaches to empower individuals to make healthier choices.

5. Future Directions: The presentation will conclude by outlining the future directions in the field of behavioral health economics and cardiovascular wellness. It will touch upon the potential for technological advancements, big data analytics, and global collaborations to further enhance our understanding and application of these concepts.

In an era where cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, this presentation serves as a beacon of hope and knowledge. By bridging the gap between economics and behavior, we aim to inspire healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to collaborate in designing impactful interventions that will lead us towards a heart-healthy global future.

Biography:

Iris-Panagiota Efthymiou FHEA is a Senior Lecturer and Behavioural Economist holding academic positions at Regent College London (in partnership with the University of University of Greater Manchester), FuturLearn (Brunel University London, the University of Roehampton), and the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA), London. She holds a PhD in Behavioural Health Economics (Magna cum laude), an MSc in Health Economics and Management (First Class), and a BSc in Business, Politics and Law from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Chief Editor of the Journal of Politics and Ethics in New Technologies and AI, she has authored 22 books and over 70 peer-reviewed publications with Springer, IGI Global, Nova Science, and Bentham Books. Her AI publications include AI, Ethics and the Future of Work, Human Wellbeing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, co-edited volumes on Legal and Regulatory Impacts on AI Development and Ethical, Regulatory, and Intellectual Property Impacts on AI Development (2026), and chapters on AI governance, behavioural law, national security, and human-machine interaction.

She has delivered over 400 keynotes across 30 countries, including at the United Nations, and advises at the highest levels of policy and governance. She is a Member of the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence and sits on the Advisory Council of the Harvard Business Review. She is a member of AISB (The Society for the Study of Artificial Intelligence and Simulation of Behaviour) and of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS) and a partisan expert for CLAIRE AI in France. In 2020, she was awarded the title Exceptional Woman of Excellence by the Women Economic Forum.