A Media Breakfast Meeting hosted by Novartis Pharma Services Inc., Representative Office, Malta took place on Tuesday, September 28, with the participation of local media representatives.
Novartis Pharma Services Inc., Representative Office, Malta, officially initiates its awareness campaign regarding Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), which is responsible for over 85% of all deaths caused by cardiovascular disease.
The informative presentation on `The Preventable Burden of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)` was delivered by Dr Robert G. Xuereb, Chairman, Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, and President of the Maltese Cardiac Society.
A second presentation on `The Need for a Better Control of LDL-cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) Levels to Tackle the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease` was delivered by Prof. Stephen Fava, Chairman, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, and President of the Association of Physicians of Malta.
What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)?
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that causes high LDL-C starting at birth, and affects approximately one in every 250 people worldwide.2 If one has familial hypercholesterolemia, the body may have difficulties recycling LDL-C. Even with proper diet and exercise, one may still have difficulty reaching a healthy LDL-C target.
What is High LDL-Cholesterol?
High levels of LDL-C (sometimes called "bad" cholesterol) are a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Despite that, many people are living with levels of LDL-C much higher than what is considered safe.
The awareness campaign on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and its management, aims to be informative and educational to the public since as stated by the presenters, the burden of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease can be prevented. Specifically, the main risk factor being elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C, which is also called “bad cholesterol”.
As the physicians explained, atherosclerosis is defined as the accumulation of fatty material in the internal surface of the artery, which is also called “atherosclerotic” plaque. These plaques are the result of continuous accumulation of “bad cholesterol” over time. As the disease progresses, most people do not experience significant symptoms until the atherosclerotic plaque unexpectedly raptures, which then causes a heart attack or stroke.
Controlling LDL-C is crucial
Maintaining low LDL-C levels is vital to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Based on large-scale studies, the American and European guidelines for the management of blood cholesterol and dyslipidemias, claim that the risk of having an ASCVD event is associated to LDL-C and recommend – in addition to lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise etc.), – treatments to reduce and maintain low LDL-C levels.
Statistical data prove that there is an urgent need for immediate action both in the medical and pharmaceutical world (but also of the state). In particular cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death and disability globally, killing approximately 18 million people per year. This number continues increasing and it is forecasted to reach 24 million deaths per year, by the year 2030.
The launch of the awareness campaign on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) in Malta is most welcome, especially since statistics show that 75% of recurrent cardiovascular events could be prevented, specifically with better control of patients` LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C or “bad cholesterol”), which is the most easily modifiable risk factor.
Therefore, intensive and thorough information to the public is needed to prevent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), both by optimizing lifestyle changes and by choosing the most appropriate and efficacious pharmaceutical treatment.
For more information about cardiovascular disease please visit https://www.fightcvd.com/