Chronic non-communicable diseases drive mortality in Croatia

Chronic non-communicable diseases are a leading cause of mortality in Croatia, with 1,666 deaths recorded last year. This was highlighted during a professional conference titled ‘Chronic non-communicable diseases – time for action’, which focused on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Experts addressed the challenges of chronic respiratory diseases, specifically Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. Gordana Pavliša, head of the Institute for Allergic and Obstructive Lung Diseases at the Jordanovac Lung Clinic, noted that COPD often develops gradually, leading patients to mistake symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing for natural aging or the effects of smoking. This often results in delayed medical intervention.

Research presented by Zrinka Mach, president of the Croatian Society for Chronic Diseases, revealed public perceptions regarding obesity and medication. While 94.2% of respondents support state funding for obesity treatments, 64.9% identified the cost of medication as a significant barrier to care. The conference emphasized the need for integrated approaches to treat metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory risks together to prevent complications.