Heart and blood vessel problems remain the leading cause of death in Macedonia.

According to data published by Marija Andonovska, director of the Institute of Public Health, 6,888 people died from diseases of the cardiovascular system during the past year. This figure accounts for 34 percent of all deaths. The data were made public as part of World Heart Day, observed on September 29.

On this occasion, the Institute of Public Health conducted free preventive checkups for citizens. Participants were able to have their blood pressure, blood sugar, height and weight measured, while also receiving advice from health professionals.

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski stressed that preventive checkups and the timely identification of health problems are extremely important. He said that high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels and disorders of blood fats can be detected before the onset of a heart attack or stroke.

Klekovski also warned that hypertension can cause damage to the heart, kidneys and brain. The risk becomes even greater when the condition is accompanied by uncontrolled diabetes.

Cardiovascular diseases include various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. The World Health Organization ranks them as the leading cause of death worldwide, with around 19.8 million victims every year.

More than four out of every five deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases are linked to heart disease and stroke.

The risk of developing these diseases is not determined solely by age. Factors that may have an impact include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and harmful alcohol use. Meanwhile, age and family history are considered factors that cannot be changed.

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