Cardiovascular Disease: Prevention and Social Impact

Social and Medical Problems of Cardiovascular Disease

Background and Mortality Statistics

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most frequent cause of death, accounting for approximately 50% of all deaths. Every month, 5,000 people die of CVD. The standardized mortality rate from circulatory diseases is highest in Russia and Ukraine and lowest in France and Spain.

Common Cardiovascular Health Problems

The most frequent serious health problems include:

• Hypertension
• Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI)
• Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
• Cerebrovascular diseases (strokes)

Medical, Economic, and Social Consequences

Medical Consequences (Coronary)

• Prolonged hospital stays
• Frequent visits to specialists
• High consumption of drugs
• Extensive rehabilitation requirements

Economic Consequences

• Inability to work
• Job loss or change of job
• Disability and disability pensions
• Possible permanent invalidity

Social Consequences

• Increased care provided by the family
• Demand and need for help with household care

Coronary Heart Disease: Causes and Risk Factors

Coronary heart disease is caused by the blockage of blood vessels serving the heart. It includes:

• Angina
• Heart attacks
• Heart failure
• Abnormal heart rhythms

Risk Factors and High-Risk Groups

Causes and Risk Factors: Family history, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.

High-risk professions: Managers, supervisors, engine drivers, and professional drivers.

Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Prevention Potential

• Health education
• Healthy lifestyle and diet
• Screening of high-risk groups in general practice (Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Diabetes Mellitus)

Treatment and Medical Intervention

• Emergency services and coronary units
• Standard healthcare and rehabilitation
• Catheterization and Angioplasty
• Coronary bypass surgery