Cardiovascular diseases, risk factors and barriers in their prevention in Croatia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Croatia.
• Significant regional disparities exist in CVD mortality.
• Despite a strong public health network, a comprehensive CVD monitoring and intervention system is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the legislative framework and stakeholder responsibilities for CVD surveillance and prevention in Croatia.
• To examine CVD prevention characteristics and identify barriers within Croatian preventive programs, referencing international best practices.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing legislation and policies related to cardiovascular disease.
• Comparative assessment of Croatian CVD prevention strategies against international standards.
• Identification of barriers in defining preventive activities, distributing responsibilities, and implementing tasks.

Main Results:

• The primary issue in CVD prevention is not inefficiency but systemic barriers in defining activities, distributing responsibilities, and task implementation.
• Existing clinical medicine and public health practices in Croatia are incompatible with international recommendations.
• Lack of clear definitions and responsibilities hinders effective CVD prevention programs.

Conclusions:

• Successful cardiovascular disease prevention in Croatia requires redefining prevention terms and content.
• A revised distribution of responsibilities among stakeholders is essential.
• Establishing health equity as a fundamental criterion is necessary for successful preventive programs.