Society

China to enhance prevention of cardiovascular diseases

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-14 11:10

BEIJING - China has taken a series of measures to strengthen the prevention of cardiovascular diseases as the country's aging population is becoming more vulnerable to heart-related illnesses.

"In recent years, cardiovascular diseases have become one of the most fatal chronic diseases in the country. With high treatment risks and medical costs, these diseases are becoming more dreadful," said Hu Shengshou, director of the newly founded National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, on Friday during a four-day international forum on cardiovascular diseases.

The center, directly under the administration of the Ministry of Health, aims to provide research on prevention programs for cardiovascular diseases and draw up technical standards for related treatments.

According to Hu, the center is also responsible for setting up a monitoring and reporting system on these diseases.

"The center... will shift the country's focus to prevention, from clinical efforts such as operations and drug treatments," Hu added.

Gu Dongfeng, a professor with the Beijing-based Fuwai Hospital for Cardiovascular Diseases, predicted more than 20 million new cardiovascular patients will be diagnosed by 2030, and according to Gu, the death toll from cardiovascular disease will rise by 7 million if no prevention and control measures are taken.