Doctors offer free consultations on Heart Day

People have formed a queue in front of a tent set up in Chisinau's Stefan cel Mare Park on Saturday for free consultations offered on the occasion of the World Heart Day. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, Eleonora Vataman department head at the Cardiology Institute and senior cardiology specialist at the Ministry of Health, stated that the incidence of cardiovascular conditions is rising, which is a great reason for concern, and such public events are needed to warn the population about the potential danger of developing such diseases. “Family doctors have the responsibility to detect and diagnose patients within their assigned areas. According to European recommendations and the national protocol developed by the Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Company has part of its budget allotted to detecting and investigating cardiovascular condition risks among healthy people”, said Eleonora Vataman. Asked about the most common causes that lead to heart problems, Eleonora Vataman mentioned food with low anti-oxidant fiber content and a sedentary lifestyle. “The youth aren’t spared by these conditions. They can be traced to the pre-natal period, but can be noticed after the age of 40. Every year the risk of dying increases. Aging is an important risk factor. Parents are to blame for the child’s conditions, if they smoke, drink or if the mother has a simple viral condition or periodontitis during pregnancy. The inflaming factor is the triggering one, and periodontitis is considered to be particularly risky because it’s very common as well”, said the specialist. Eleonoara Vataman added that removing risk factors would reduce the incidence of heart conditions by 80%. 56% of CODs in Moldova are associated with cardiovascular conditions.