2024-04-09 09:33:40
Heart diseases outnumber oncological ones
“When starting a conversation about cardiovascular diseases, the first thing that comes to mind is that today, unfortunately, they still take a lot of lives,” says the cardiologist. – In Lithuania, mortality from cardiovascular diseases reaches as much as 56.7 percent. We far exceed the averages of other countries.”
According to J. Badarienė, many people are afraid of dying from cancer, but the situation is such that cardiovascular diseases die much more often than oncological diseases.
“Lithuania, together with post-Soviet countries, belongs to a region of very high cardiovascular risk. According to the data of the 2022 study, in terms of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, our country was in sixth place – we were surpassed only by Latvia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria, says the doctor. “In addition, cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death among working people aged 16-64.”
According to the doctor, the situation differs little by gender: as can be seen from the 2022 study, diseases of the circulatory system killed 46 percent. Lithuanian men and 58.4 percent. of women’s lives, while malignant tumors caused 20.9 percent. men and 16.1 percent. deaths of women.
80 percent cases can be avoided
Since ancient times, cardiovascular diseases have been called the scourge of humanity, and today, unfortunately, this epithet still cannot be gotten rid of. “Yes, cardiovascular diseases are still a very serious problem in our society. However, I would like to emphasize that it could be significantly reduced by consciously correcting the risk factors that cause diseases,” says J. Badarienė.
When asked to detail the risk factors, the doctor lists the most traditional ones known to many: high blood pressure and bad cholesterol, smoking. According to the specialist, it has been proven that even 80 percent cardiovascular diseases could be prevented by medication to regulate blood pressure, stop smoking and reduce elevated levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
“Any smoking is very harmful. All nicotine delivery systems work similarly – there is no safer or more harmful way to smoke. And the World Heart Federation warns that for teenagers and children who smoke electronic cigarettes, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases or dying from them doubles,” says the doctor.
According to J. Badarienė, in addition to the mentioned most traditional ones, there are other factors that also determine cardiovascular diseases. These include obesity, low physical activity, increased blood glucose levels, diabetes, etc. “Scientists have also identified new risk factors: lack of sleep and, of course, daily, continuous stress.” There is a lot of talk about it, but it is difficult to control them,” says the cardiologist.
Lack of desire to change lifestyle
A doctor working in the field of cardiology for about three decades notices that the situation in Lithuania is slowly changing for the better. According to her, more and more people want to know about themselves, they try to examine their health – moving in a positive direction”, says J. Badarienė, but she emphasizes that she misses the desire to change her lifestyle after identifying the risk factors that cause cardiovascular diseases. Some patients do not particularly want to correct them, and there are many others who are guided by various myths and use folk methods to treat serious diseases.
“Many people I come across in my work strive to live a healthy life, but quite a few of them refuse to take any medication even when it is necessary.
There are also cases when a person who has suffered a myocardial infarction has to explain that yoga and conscious breathing will not help… It is not uncommon to have to prove that doctors are not enemies, but people who want to help.”
When asked if, in her opinion, diseases are getting younger, the doctor says that she has a slightly different opinion on this matter. According to the cardiologist, more and more young people are paying attention to their health, public health literacy is increasing, many even older people are reading up on the internet about the symptoms of various diseases, finding out how to avoid ailments and how to adjust their lifestyle. Many patients already know when to consult a doctor.
“And for my part, I remind everyone that if you feel a pressing pain in the chest or behind the sternum that spreads to the throat, arms, back, you should go to get checked. I also encourage all older people to have their blood pressure checked regularly. If it is elevated, it is necessary to visit a doctor. It is also important to start participating in a preventive program for cardiovascular diseases from the age of 40,” encourages the cardiologist doctor.
Pay attention to your health
“The preventive program for cardiovascular diseases is one of the measures that allow to reduce morbidity and mortality from these diseases,” says J. Badarienė. “The program aims to draw people’s attention to their health, find out risk factors and prevent possible health disorders.”
The cardiovascular disease prevention program is intended for men and women aged 40-60. For them, the family doctor determines the risk factors and, if necessary, creates an individual plan for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. When the doctor assesses that the probability of cardiovascular diseases is very high, he sends the patient to specialized centers for a more detailed examination. If necessary, treatment is prescribed.
According to the data of the State Sick Fund under the Ministry of Health, in recent years there has been a significant increase in the population receiving services under the cardiovascular disease prevention and early diagnosis program.
Last year, almost 400,000 people were checked according to this program. persons, or a third more than last year. in 2023 13.4 percent people who tested under this program were sent for extensive testing to prevent cardiovascular disease.
2024-04-09 09:33:40