Newsroom
Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of mortality in Cyprus, according to Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, who spoke on Thursday at a cardiovascular health conference in Nicosia on behalf of the President of the Republic.
Addressing the event, which was co-organised by the School of Medicine of European University Cyprus, the Cyprus Atherosclerosis Society and the Office of the Citizens’ Commissioner, the minister outlined recent trends and policy priorities. He noted that while heart and vascular conditions continue to top the causes of death nationally, their share of overall mortality has fallen significantly, from about 40 per cent in past decades to roughly 24 per cent today. The vast majority of these deaths, around 87 per cent, occur among people aged over 65.
Charalambides emphasised that many cardiovascular-related deaths are preventable, particularly through early intervention. Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, following a balanced diet and maintaining regular physical activity, he said, can substantially lower individual risk and improve population health outcomes.
He also referred to the newly announced EU “Safe Hearts Plan,” describing it as a clear signal of the European Union’s intention to strengthen cooperation on preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular disease. In this context, he said Cyprus supports the initiative and is aligning its policies with the plan’s objectives, particularly during its role within the EU framework.
At national level, the minister explained that Cyprus’ Strategy for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases aims to establish an integrated approach covering prevention, early diagnosis, clinical care, rehabilitation and research.
He concluded by praising the organisers and contributors to the conference, which was held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, for their role in promoting awareness and dialogue on cardiovascular health.
