Cardiovascular diseases: Prevention week begins in Saxony-Anhalt!

Cardiovascular diseases: Prevention week begins in Saxony-Anhalt!

The topic of heart health will be in focus from June 16, 2025: The nationwide 6th Heart Week begins today, which draws attention to the need for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. These illnesses are not only a major challenge for many, they are also the most common cause of death in Saxony-Anhalt, where they are responsible for 38.5 percent of all deaths, as MDR reports.

The cooperation partners, including the health ministries and the German Heart Foundation, are working this week to raise awareness of the health risks. Steffi Suchant, the head of the TK state representation in Saxony-Anhalt, underlines the urgency of these measures and calls for more attention to individual health promotion. The head of the Saxony-Anhalt Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Jörg Böhme, supports this call and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive medical care.

Cardiovascular diseases in Germany

But this problem not only affects Saxony-Anhalt, but also all of Germany. According to the RKI, cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death in the entire country and cause around 40 percent of all deaths. The most important diseases include coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Fortunately, there is also good news: there is significant potential for prevention. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and unhealthy lifestyles can be influenced by actively addressing your own health. Behavioral changes such as a balanced diet, physical activity and avoiding cigarettes can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

Prevention guidelines

The German Society for Cardiology published updated guidelines in 2021 to support the prevention of cardiovascular disease. These “ESC Pocket Guidelines” provide practical recommendations for clinical practice and are available both as a PDF and as an app for mobile devices. These guidelines are part of the effort to make the prevention measures uniform and accessible to everyone, as DGK shows.

Heart Week starts with a clear goal: to raise awareness among the population about the risks of cardiovascular diseases and to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle. You too can use the week to find out about your own heart health and, if necessary, rethink your habits. Because as the saying goes? A healthy lifestyle is the best recipe for longevity.