Janne Martikainen (ESiOR Oy) discusses the topic on MTV3's Huomenta Suomi program
In the interview, the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the financial costs came up. A phenomenon that is brought up less frequently is the prevention of a second heart attack, i.e. how to prevent the recurrence of a heart attack. Janne Martikainen discussed the topic together with senior cardiologist Anne-Mari Hekkala from the Finnish Heart Association.
Approximately 20,000 heart attacks occur in Finland each year. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, physical activity level and obesity increase the risk of getting sick. Coronary artery disease is a chronic disease that must be treated to keep the disease under control. The risk of a heart attack is increased for those who have had already an event. Challenges in treatment include patients’ lack of understanding of the chronicity of the disease and the lack of resources in health care. From the pharmaceutical side, medication adherence can also be highlighted.
The latest information on the implementation of treatment for heart patients and the quality assessment was carried out by Novartis, ESiOR and the wellbeing services county of North Karelia. The survey showed that only about 25% of the patients met the treatment goal. One in three returns to the hospital within five years of the first event. The costs are high for Finland. A recent estimate of the costs of cardiovascular diseases per Finn is approximately €640 per year.
For more information: Janne Martikainen
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