Every other Bulgarian suffers from untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. This was emphasized at a press conference on the occasion of World Adherence to Therapy Day.

Main problems:

  • Insufficient adherence to therapy: only half of the patients follow the prescribed treatment.
  • Late diagnosis and suboptimal treatment: common problems that lead to worsening of the condition.
  • Lack of focus on prevention: the emphasis is on the treatment of diseases and not on their prevention.

Risk factors:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension): the most serious risk factor.
  • Diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia: often found simultaneously after the age of 50.
  • Smoking, unhealthy lifestyle: factors that can be changed.

Solutions and recommendations:

  • National cardiology plan: needed to improve the control of hypertension.
  • Raising awareness: educational campaigns on the importance of adherence to therapy.
  • Preventive examinations: early diagnosis and adequate treatment.
  • Validated blood pressure measuring devices: ensuring the accuracy of measurements.
  • Optimizing treatment: the possibility of combined tablets to facilitate patients.
  • Increasing the reimbursement of medicines: reducing the financial burden on patients.

Doctors call for the active participation of society and health institutions to improve the health of the nation. The focus should be on prevention, early diagnosis and adherence to treatment in order to reduce cardiovascular mortality.