According to a British research, coronary heart disease death rate has steadily declined throughout Europe, with the exception of Greece, where it has actually hit higher levels. This is due to the increased rate of smoking and obesity in the country.
The researchers noted that there were some countries which constitute a source of concern, as mortality rates from coronary heart disease have shown a great increase, particularly among certain population groups (young people, women). Greece belongs to these countries.
Greece is the only European country, where both among men and women, more cardiac deaths have been recorded to people under 45.
Greece hasn’t shown any significant reduction of cardiovascular disease deaths between 1980 – 2009 among women, and especially those from 45-54 who showed a steady and significant increase in heart disease deaths. In order to explain this Greek exception, the study points out that Greece had the highest percentage of smokers (42% of adults) in the European Union in 2009.
Furthermore, Greek smokers aged 25-54 years old (54-57%) are more than double from those over 55 years old (23%). In addition, the study highlights that Greece has one of the highest rates of obesity among adults in the EU specifically for children. According to British scientists, quitting smoking, a healthy lifestyle and physical exercise are the key recommendations for protecting the heart and health.
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