47 million euros are needed to implement the plan to reduce cardiovascular diseases 0 11

Its goal is to reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases, increase the healthy life expectancy of the population, and reduce health inequality.

The plan highlights two important measures: improving the risk assessment methodology "Score" in family doctors' practices and a pilot project for cardiology offices. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality in the EU, including Latvia, significantly affecting population health and overall indicators. Lifestyle and screenings, such as measuring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, weight control, etc., are very important in the prevention of these diseases to timely detect changes, assess disease risks, and prevent their development.

Health Minister Hosam Abu Meri emphasized the importance of targeted actions and collective responsibility in treating cardiovascular diseases:

"In Latvia, cardiovascular diseases still claim the most lives. I urge people to take an interest in their heart health and assess risks together with their family doctor. A clear plan for heart health protection is necessary for targeted and coordinated actions that truly save lives. The measures we have identified align with the European Union's strategy for heart health protection."

The most common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in Latvia are high blood pressure (36%), high cholesterol levels (63%), high blood sugar levels (27%), overweight (34%), and obesity (29%). Approximately 40% of cases of cardiomyopathy are related to alcohol consumption, significantly increasing the risk of premature mortality, especially among working-age men.

Data shows that in the age group of 35 to 45 years, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are more common in men. In turn, after the age of 45, the proportion of men in the population structure gradually decreases, and after 50 years, a pronounced decline is observed. Given the high prevalence of risk factors among men, as well as the relatively large share of the population aged 35-45, it is necessary to strengthen preventive and early diagnostic measures specifically for this target group to reduce the risk of premature mortality.