Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of death in Cyprus, as confirmed by Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides during a recent conference on cardiovascular health.
- Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of death in Cyprus, as confirmed by Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides during a recent conference on cardiovascular health.
Despite a significant decline in the number of fatalities attributed to these diseases, they still account for a substantial portion of annual deaths across the nation. Charalambides revealed that cardiovascular diseases were once responsible for around 40 per cent of deaths in Cyprus; this figure has now decreased to 24 per cent.
Cardiovascular disease: Age and Impact of Cardiovascular Conditions
Statistics indicate that 87 per cent of those who succumb to cardiovascular conditions are aged over 65. The health minister specified that the most prevalent issues leading to these deaths include atherosclerotic heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.
The Path to Prevention
Charalambides highlighted that a significant number of these deaths could be prevented through early intervention and lifestyle changes. He stressed the importance of quitting smoking, adopting a nutritious diet, and engaging in regular physical activity as key measures to reduce risk.
EU Initiatives and Local Strategies
Referring to the recently announced EU ‘safe hearts’ plan, the minister described it as a strong commitment to early diagnosis, monitoring, and effective treatment of cardiovascular diseases throughout the continent. He asserted that health policies should focus on people, ensuring equal access to prevention and treatment programmes alongside robust pharmaceutical supply chains.
Cyprus has welcomed the EU initiative and is aligning its actions with the plan’s implementation. Charalambides reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the health system and supporting research and innovation, emphasising the role of close cooperation with the scientific community in executing effective health policies that enhance quality of life.
A National Strategy in Place
The minister noted that a national strategy for managing cardiovascular diseases has already been approved and will be implemented promptly. This strategic approach aims to address the persistent challenges posed by cardiovascular health issues in Cyprus, ensuring that adequate resources and attention are devoted to this pressing public health concern.
