site.btaCardiologist Warns of High Risk of Sedentary Behaviour as Cardiovascular Diseases Remain Leading Health Problem in Bulgaria

Speaking at a longevity forum in Sofia Tuesday, a cardiologist warned of the heightened risks of sedentary behaviour as cardiovascular diseases remain a leading health issue in Bulgaria. Sitting for more than eight hours a day increases the risk of cardiovascular events by over 120%, said Prof. Ivan Gruev, a cardiologist at the Tsar Boris III National Transport Hospital, at Longevity Forum 2.0 organized by Capital.bg.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading health problem in Bulgaria, he added, noting that Bulgarian men have the lowest life expectancy in the EU. On average, men live less than 74 years, while women live under 80.

According to Prof. Gruev, improving health and extending quality of life depends largely on lifestyle changes - quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

When risk factors are properly managed, aging can remain normal and physiological rather than premature, he said. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular incidents, cognitive decline, cancer, and diabetes. It also improves quality of life and stimulates the release of endorphins. For healthy individuals, 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense aerobic activity per week is recommended.

Speaking at the forum online, Borjana Pervan of the World Heart Federation warned that misinformation is among the biggest global risks, especially when it concerns health. She stressed that there can be no sustainable economy or strong society without healthy people.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, accounting for about 20% of deaths in Europe and over 60% in Bulgaria. In Europe, they cause 37% of deaths among women, yet are often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Pervan noted that Europe has begun implementing a unified cardiovascular health plan aimed at reversing these trends, with the World Heart Federation playing a coordinating role. Some countries, including Greece, Spain, and Slovenia, have already introduced prevention strategies.

Bulgaria is currently developing its own national plan, which is expected to focus on early diagnosis, equal access to treatment, rehabilitation, and improved quality of life for patients. However, she emphasized that meaningful results will depend on effective implementation.

Prevention, Pervan added, is far less costly than treatment, and physical activity remains one of the most powerful tools for maintaining good health.