Every year more than 21 thousand people die prematurely in Slovakia, whose deaths could be prevented by better prevention, earlier diagnosis or early treatment. On the occasion of World Hypertension Day (17 May) Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic and Slovak Medical Society together with leading experts presented Health SLOVENSKO 2030 -www.healthsieslovensko2030.sk. It aims to improve the prevention, early capture and treatment of patients at cardiovascular risk. This presented a concrete plan to reduce the number of heart attacks, strokes and premature deaths by 2030.
The heart attack, stroke, or heart failure are not just a health problem, but also an enormous burden on hospitals, health systems, and public finances. Slovakia spends hundreds of millions of euros a year today to treat complications that could in many cases be prevented. That is why today, together with experts, we are presenting a concrete plan to reduce the incidence of these events by 30% by 2030. In the case of heart attacks alone, this would mean savings of around €43 million and an additional €31 million in strokes, without including rehabilitation, disability, incapacity for work;Þ explains Kamil Šaško, Minister of Health of the Slovak Republic.
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in Slovakia. In 2023 they accounted for 45.9% of all causes of death, states Prof. MUDr. Juraj Payer, PhD., president of the Slovak Medical Society.
Infarcts and strokes cost lives and hundreds of millions of euros
We register approximately in Slovakia 14 875 hospitalisations for acute myocardial infarction per year. Treatment of one acute heart attack costs approximately 9 700 €, which represents more than EUR 144 million per year for acute care only.Approximately 11,600 patients per year and cargo €8 800 per patient, exceeds acute care EUR 100 million per year.

Today, modern medicine can handle an acute event. However, our goal must be that it does not occur at all. A patient at risk for an acute event or death should be identified and treated before such an event occurs., says Prof. MUDr. Eva Goncalves, CSc., chief LF UK and NÚSCH Cardiology Clinics.
High pressure has over 2 million people. Many do not know
Over 2 million inhabitants in Slovakia suffer from hypertension, i.e. around 40% of the adult population. Approximately 1.35 million patients are diagnosed and treated. In hypertension, the patient often feels well, does not have pain or marked symptoms and may therefore tend to underestimate or discontinue the treatment. It's not enough just to diagnose the patient. We need a long-term lead to effective treatment. Regular domestic blood pressure measurements and the use of fixed combinations of medicines play a major role. said MUDr. Anna Vachulová, PhD., Vice President of the Slovak Hypertension Society.
Decides the practice doctor's office
Experts stress that the most important moment is not just hospitalization, but much earlier - in the general doctor's office. –In order to prevent unnecessary deaths, we need to focus more closely on primary care. It is not enough just to diagnose the patient and set up a treatment. It is equally important to promote its adherence to treatment. Today, only 33.5% of hypertensive patients reach their blood pressure targets and have less than 10% of patients with LDL cholesterol. We have significant reserves in patients treated with multiple comorbidities at once, such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia, where we have the possibility to use modern polypilal treatment. However, this is according to the health insurance Trust used so far at only 27% ,added MUDr. Peter Lipovský, Vice President of the Slovak Society of General Practical Medicine.
Healthier Slovakia 2030: a plan against avoidable deaths
Initiative Healthier Slovakia 2030 to connect professional companies, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, academics, health insurance companies, analysts and health department. –Our goal is that most patients have their disease diagnosed in good time, properly treated and controlled for the long term. Healthier Slovakia 2030 is a concrete action plan to reduce avoidable deaths in Slovakia by 2030. closes Prof. MUDr. Juraj Payer, PhD., president of the Slovak Medical Society and dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava.
10 point Action Plan for Healthier Slovakia 2030
Earlier admission of patients at risk

Better control of hypertension and cholesterol

Uniform treatment standards

A Stronger Role for Primary Care

Involvement of health insurance undertakings

Multi-disciplinary cooperation

Strengthening the role of pharmacists and nurses

Greater public education

Measurable 2030 targets

Availability of relevant data

More information is available at:www.healthsieslovensko2030.sk