Treatment of heart disease: we can do better!

The congress medical Medec which takes place from 18 to 20 March, and whose AZ Health is a partner, is an opportunity to take stock of cardiovascular disease. Although in recent years there has been a reduction in deaths from these diseases, the results could be even better! As more progress is needed later ... Patients who do not take their proper treatment. "It is estimated that a patient on two arrested, or not following his treatment at the end of the first year of its establishment," says Professor Eric Bruckert., Head of department of endocrinology-métablisme (Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital -- Paris). Another major problem relates to the risk factors (especially in the occurrence of myocardial infarction): hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol levels ... Again room for improvement. Despite the war against tobacco, there is a "worrying increase in smoking among young people, especially among young women," says Professor Eric Bruckert. To better combat cardiovascular diseases, we must continue efforts against smoking, focusing on diet, and ensure better care for diabetes. On this last point, the role of GPs is paramount.