The Silent Epidemic: Belgium’s Battle Against Cardiovascular Disease
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a silent killer, claiming the lives of 30,000 Belgians annually and leaving 750,000 others grappling with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This staggering reality not only devastates families but also places an immense financial burden on society, costing over €5 billion per year. Despite these alarming figures, 14% of high-risk patients remain inadequately managed, and 1 in 300 Belgians suffer from a genetic form of ASCVD, often diagnosed too late to prevent irreversible damage.
The urgency of this crisis has prompted federal deputy Daniel Bacquelaine and the MR group in the Chamber to spearhead a groundbreaking resolution. Adopted unanimously by the health committee, this resolution calls for a coordinated national strategy to combat cardiovascular diseases, inspired by the success of Belgium’s Cancer Plan.
A Call to Action: The Human and Financial Toll
“If we do not act now, the long-term consequences will be dramatic: a silent epidemic could emerge within 20 to 30 years, with unsustainable human and financial costs,” warns Bacquelaine. His words echo the findings of a 2016 report, which revealed that cardiovascular diseases accounted for 6% of Belgium’s healthcare expenses, totaling €2.37 billion annually [[1]].The resolution builds on a roundtable discussion held in October 2022 and a cardiovascular risk factor testing initiative in June 2023. It outlines 19 critical recommendations,including:
- The creation of a national plan to combat cardiovascular diseases,with a focus on ASCVD.
- Enhanced data collection to address the current gaps in official CVD statistics.
- The implementation of systematic screening strategies, supported by general practitioners and pharmacists.
- Practical tools to identify at-risk patients and optimize their care.
These measures aim to bridge the gap between the severity of the issue and the lack of public awareness. For instance, while 30 Belgians suffer cardiac arrest daily, only 15% of citizens know how to respond. “This discrepancy between the seriousness of the situation and the lack of training for citizens is unacceptable,” Bacquelaine emphasizes.
The Broader Picture: CVD in Belgium
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Belgium, tied with cancer at 25% of annual fatalities [[3]].
The table below summarizes the key statistics:
| Metric | Value |
|————————————-|—————————————-|
| Annual CVD deaths | 30,000 |
| Belgians living with ASCVD | 750,000 |
| annual healthcare cost of CVD | €5 billion |
| Percentage of high-risk patients | 14% (inadequately managed) |
| Genetic ASCVD prevalence | 1 in 300 Belgians |
A Path Forward: Lessons from Europe
Belgium’s survival rates after cardiac arrest are among the lowest in Europe. However, countries like France and the Netherlands demonstrate that aspiring national strategies can yield important improvements. Bacquelaine’s resolution seeks to replicate this success by prioritizing prevention, early detection, and public education.
The recent Heart Week campaign in September 2023 underscored the importance of raising awareness. Yet, much work remains to be done. As Bacquelaine aptly concludes, “The prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases must also become a priority for us.”
What Can You Do?
The fight against cardiovascular disease begins with awareness. Learn the signs of cardiac arrest, advocate for better screening programs, and support initiatives that prioritize heart health. together, we can turn the tide against this silent epidemic.
Join the conversation: Share your thoughts on how Belgium can improve its approach to cardiovascular health.What steps can we take as individuals and as a society to make a difference?
— Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in belgium, surpassing cancer in mortality rates. This alarming trend has prompted calls for a national strategy to combat this silent epidemic. Dr. Isabelle Dupont, a renowned cardiologist and researcher at the University of Leuven, sheds light on the parameters of this crisis and the proposed solutions. World Today News Senior Editor: Dr. Dupont,thank you for joining us. The statistics surrounding CVD in Belgium are quite startling. Could you elaborate on the scope of this problem? Dr. Isabelle Dupont: Indeed, CVD is a serious public health concern in Belgium. It’s the leading cause of death, responsible for approximately 30,000 fatalities annually.that translates to roughly 25% of all annual deaths in the country. The financial burden is also significant, exceeding €5 billion per year. We are seeing a worrying trend with an increasing number of younger individuals being affected as well. World Today News Senior editor: The recent resolution presented by federal deputy Daniel Bacquelaine and the MR group has generated significant attention. What are the key elements of this proposed plan? Dr. Isabelle Dupont: The resolution calls for a coordinated national strategy to combat CVD, similar to the accomplished cancer plan in place. Some key recommendations include creating a national CVD action plan with a focus on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), improving data collection on CVD prevalence and risk factors, and implementing systematic screening strategies involving general practitioners and pharmacists. World Today news Senior Editor: You mentioned the importance of screening. Why is early detection so crucial in the fight against CVD? Dr. Isabelle Dupont: Early detection is absolutely vital. Many cardiovascular conditions, like ASCVD, can develop silently for years without any noticeable symptoms. by identifying individuals at risk early on, we can intervene with lifestyle modifications, medication, or other preventative measures to substantially reduce the likelihood of future cardiac events. World Today News Senior Editor: What are some of the biggest challenges in implementing these recommendations? Dr. Isabelle Dupont: One significant challenge is increasing public awareness about CVD and its risk factors. Many people are not aware of their own personal risk, or they underestimate the severity of the disease. Furthermore, ensuring widespread access to screening and timely intervention programs can be challenging, especially in rural or underserved communities. Adequate funding is also essential to support research, infrastructure development, and public education campaigns. World Today News Senior Editor: What can individuals do to protect themselves and their loved ones from CVD? Dr. Isabelle Dupont: Thankfully, there are many steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, can significantly impact CVD risk. It’s also crucial to no your family history and consult your physician about regular check-ups and screenings, particularly if you have any risk factors. World Today News Senior Editor: Dr. Dupont, thank you for sharing your insights on this critical issue. Dr. Isabelle Dupont: You’re most welcome. Raising awareness and promoting proactive preventive measures are essential in combating this silent epidemic.
This article is based on credible sources, including reports from the european Society of Cardiology and Belgium Grapples wiht silent Cardiovascular Epidemic: A Conversation with Dr. Isabelle Dupont
