In the Vitebsk region, mortality due to circulatory system diseases is the lowest in the country

Diseases of the circulatory system account for 43% of the total mortality in the Vitebsk region for January-September 2015, which is the lowest rate in the country. This data was announced today at a press conference at the regional cardiology dispensary by the Head of the Department of Therapy of the Faculty of Professional Development of the Vitebsk State Medical University, Professor Vladislav Podpalov.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death. This is the greatest non-communicable pandemic in the history of mankind. Nevertheless, the relative mortality rate from circulatory diseases (CD) in the Vitebsk region in 2014 was one of the lowest in the republic - 685.5 per 100 thousand population (compared to the average for Belarus - 709.7 per 100 thousand). Over the past five years, this figure has decreased by 9%, constantly decreasing. According to the results of 9 months of this year, the share of CD in the total mortality structure is the lowest in the country - 43% (in Belarus - about 50%). That is, in the region, this indicator is approaching the European average - 40%. A decrease in mortality from CD is observed.

One of the most important factors that determined these results was the ongoing preventive work. Emphasis is placed on combating smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and alcohol abuse.

"It is no secret that women lead a healthier lifestyle, while the majority of men, especially those aged 35 to 55, do not take care of themselves. But already now, there has been a shift in the population. Evidence of this is the trend of increasing life expectancy and decreasing mortality, including from circulatory diseases. This is ensured, first of all, by lifestyle and the overall socio-economic situation in the country, and only then by medications and modern treatment technologies," emphasized Vladislav Pavlov.

Speaking about the improvement of the region's cardiology service, he noted the significant enhancement of the material and technical base of the cardiodispenser and the regional clinical hospital over the past 5 years. And this work continues. Thus, by the end of the year, the second interventional center will start operating at the cardiodispenser. Construction work is being completed in the premises for it, and the installation of an angiograph, which was received in March 2015, will begin soon. In addition, the dispensary has an interesting experience in providing paid services: since September 2015, anyone who wants to check the condition of their cardiovascular system without a relevant referral can use the "Cardio Package". There are two options that differ in the scope of research, but both include two days at the dispensary. An extended five-day "Cardio Package" is currently being formed, which will include drug treatment, physiotherapy, massage, water procedures, and psychological consultations. 20 people have already undergone examination, including 10 Russians, the rest are residents of the Vitebsk and Mogilev regions.

Ekaterina Knyazeva, BELTA.