Novo Nordisk Hellas, a leading pharmaceutical research company, honors World Heart Day – a reminder for everyone to defend our most precious asset: our health. World Heart Day has been celebrated since 1999 and aims to inform and raise public awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), its risks, and the impact it has on global health. The celebration was established by the World Heart Federation (WHF) with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), which in a recent study characterized cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death worldwide, costing the lives of approximately 20 million people annually. In Greece, deaths from cardiovascular disease reach an average of 500 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Cardiovascular disease is caused by many factors, including diabetes and obesity, conditions for which Novo Nordisk continuously strengthens research for new treatments. Recent data shows that obesity rates in Greece (55% of adults) are elevated compared to the already high European average (51%), thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and the problems it causes. Specifically, obesity significantly affects numerous factors that trigger cardiovascular disease, such as insulin resistance development, adipose tissue dysfunction, and others, which in turn increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart failure, myocardial infarction, and thromboembolism. Meanwhile, habits that characterize modern lifestyle – mainly in urban centers – such as sedentary living, unbalanced diet, and daily stress play a decisive role in obesity development and the creation of cardiovascular disease risk factors.
From its founding until today, Novo Nordisk Hellas remains committed to informing and raising public awareness about cardiovascular disease and related conditions such as obesity and diabetes. With the patient at the center, Novo Nordisk Hellas promotes a holistic approach, demonstrably showing its dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions through continuous support of awareness and prevention initiatives.
