Press release for World Heart Day

World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29th at the initiative of the World Heart Federation with the support of the World Health Organization (hereinafter referred to as WHO) and UNESCO since 1999 in more than 100 countries. This global health initiative is aimed at raising public awareness and understanding of the real dangers associated with the epidemic of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Its main objective is to increase awareness of cardiovascular diseases, their causes, and prevention methods.

On World Heart Day, events are held in many countries to inform people about cardiovascular diseases and how to avoid them. Lectures and master classes, exhibitions and forums, sports events, and medical examinations are conducted.

Cardiovascular diseases (hereinafter referred to as CVDs) are among the most common causes of disability and death, and are rightly called the epidemic of the 21st century. Every year, heart diseases and their consequences claim more than 18 million human lives. Cardiovascular diseases account for 45% to 60% of the total mortality in various countries. Many cardiovascular diseases are chronic, with a gradual progressive deterioration of the patient's condition.

In the Republic of Belarus, as worldwide, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of CVDs among the population over the past twenty years. For example, from 2000 to 2020 alone, the incidence of CVDs in the republic has almost doubled, with arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases being the leading conditions. Concurrently with the incidence of CVDs, mortality and disability rates among the republic's residents are increasing.

The increase in morbidity and mortality is due to objective and subjective factors: population aging, socio-economic conditions, increased psycho-emotional stress, urbanization, physical inactivity, changes in diet, living and working conditions, the presence of bad habits, risk factors for CVD development, and the lack of motivation for a healthy lifestyle in certain categories of patients.

The main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include: high blood pressure, cholesterol levels

and disorders of lipid metabolism, elevated blood glucose levels, genetic predisposition to cardiovascular diseases, high salt intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, low physical activity, overweight, stress and depressive states.

The presence of even one risk factor increases mortality in the age group of 50-69 years by 3.5 times, and the combined effect of several factors - by 5-7 times.

According to WHO experts, a 2/3 reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality can be achieved by changing lifestyle habits, including proper nutrition, limiting salt intake, controlling arterial hypertension, and quitting smoking. Drug therapy can contribute to a reduction in mortality by only 1/3. WHO experts emphasize that for both economically developed and developing countries, the most practical and least expensive prevention method is a healthy lifestyle.

It has been noted that even 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week is sufficient to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, it is recommended to include as many fruits and vegetables as possible in the diet. Experts advise preparing healthy food for children, limiting salt intake to 5 grams per day (one level teaspoon), and controlling portion sizes. Doctors also believe that smoking should be banned in the home to protect children from passive smoking.

If there is no family history of cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to measure cholesterol and glucose levels at least once a year starting from the age of 35. If there is a family history of cardiovascular diseases, this should be done from the age of 20.

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, modern society needs to foster a culture of regular medical monitoring for early detection of diseases and their risk factors.

According to WHO experts, a positive trend in the incidence and mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach to factors affecting the population's health and by increasing people's motivation to adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a real way to improve the demographic situation in the country.

In conclusion, it should be noted that even small changes in lifestyle can slow down the aging of the heart. It is never too late to start leading a healthy lifestyle. After a person develops signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk factors continue to act, contributing to the progression of the disease and worsening the prognosis, therefore their correction should be an integral part of the treatment strategy.

RSPC "Cardiology"