Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability world-wide, including in Europe. In Europe alone, an estimated 4.2 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing more than 2 in 5 (42.5%) of all deaths. This is the highest proportion of all the WHO regions [1]. Heart attacks and strokes were common causes of death comprising of over 8 in 10 (82%) CVD deaths in Europe in 2019 [1, 2]. In recent years, CVD mortality has been declining in most European countries, including Central and Eastern Europe, which increased significantly until the beginning of the 21st century [3, 4]. In Bulgaria, CVDs have been the leading cause of deaths for decades, which accounted for 64.4% of all deaths in 2019 [4]. The standardized mortality rate from diseases of the circulatory system in Bulgaria (1,115.8%000) is 3 times higher than the EU average (365.5%000).

The burden of CVDs in Europe is higher among men, especially in the eastern part compared to the central and western parts. Hypertension is the leading risk factor, which has been driving the increased burden of CVDs. It caused almost a quarter (24%) of Europe’s CVD deaths in 2019. Most CVDs can be prevented by addressing risk factors and the environments that promote and encourage them. Major risk factors are primarily tobacco use, unhealthy diet characterized by high amounts of salt and trans fats and low amounts of fruits and vegetables, air pollution, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, harmful use of alcohol and socioeconomic deprivation. Once CVDs develop, it is important to detect them as early as possible in order to reduce harm through management with counselling and medicines.

In Bulgaria, the treatment of CVDs market [5] is anticipated to witness a significant growth in revenue, if drug therapy is taken regularly. It seems that by 2024, the projected revenue is expected to reach US$294.70m. It has been predicted that can exhibit an annual growth rate: (CAGR 2024-2029) of 4.54%. This trajectory of growth is expected to lead to a market volume of US$367.90m by the year 2029. When compared with other countries, the United States is projected to generate the highest revenue in the treatment of CVDs. The estimated revenue may reach US$136.00 billion in the USA by 2024. Interestingly, the growing healthcare infrastructure in Bulgaria and advanced medical technology are driving advancements in the treatment of CVDs.