Awareness and attitudes of residents of the Burgas region towards cardiovascular diseases and risk factors
Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2025, 19(2), 49-53.
D. Gospodinov1, S. Pishev1, B. Parashkevova1, N. Gerasimov2, G. Petrova3
1 Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University ‒ Stara Zagora
2 Medical College, Trakia University ‒ Stara Zagora
3 Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University ‒ Sofia
Abstract. The aim of the present study is to assess the awareness of the residents of Burgas of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and to make a brief assessment of their heart health. This is a one-day survey, conducted in outpatient settings, in a temporarily opened health center in the Sea Garden, which is aimed at passers-by, citizens of Burgas and the region. 89 people participated in the survey, of which 18 (20%) were men and 68 (80%) were women. People over 60 years old prevail (56%). According to the average body mass index, a significant part of the respondents are overweight (56%). Against the background of these data, high proportions of respondents with normal blood sugar values (48%), and values corresponding to pre-diabetes (40%) were found, with only 12% having indicators characteristic of a developed diabetic disease. 29 (33%) respondents answered that they had been diagnosed with CVD, and 43 (48%) declared taking medication. A similar number of respondents indicated that they take medication for the treatment of hypertension (48%). This is an interesting fact that shows that 15% do not consider hypertension as CVD because they do not declare the presence of CVD. The lifestyle of the respondents suggests a reduced risk in terms of smoking (17% smoke) and alcohol use (46% do not drink), but physical activity is also reduced and only 30% are physically active daily and 16% – never. The obtained results of the survey in the Burgas region show significant trends that should be considered in the context of public health.
Key words: awareness, cardiovascular disease, adults, lifestyle