Some 57% of the deaths in Moldova are caused by cardiovascular disease. Contacted by IPN, cardiologist Alexandru Caraus, Doctor Habilitate in Medicine and vice director of the Cardiology Institute, said the situation in Moldova is similar to the situation worldwide, where these diseases cause 52%-60% of the deaths.

According to Alexandru Caraus, more young people in Moldova become affected by cardiovascular diseases owing to their unhealthy lifestyle that leads to the appearance of atherosclerosis. The incorrect eating, the large quantities of animal fats eaten cause the veins to grow old and lead to blood pressure, sugar diabetes and a high cholesterol level. The deaths from cardiovascular diseases mainly occur because the persons go to the doctor too late.

“The people must understand that the prophylaxis of the cardiovascular disease is more efficient and cheaper than the treatment. But this depends on the people’s culture and how well they know the risk factors and the symptoms that can precede a heart attack, and what should be done to prevent such diseases,” said the doctor.

About 10,000 people are annually hospitalized at the Cardiology Institute in Chisinau. More than 40,000 people use the consultancy services of the Institute’s dispensary.

World Heart Day is marked on September 29. The day’s theme this year is “Take the road to a healthy heart”. The activities on the occasion of this event are organized with the aim of informing the people about the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases and of promoting preventive measures to reduce this risk.