The number of patients with cardiovascular diseases is increasing every day.

Doctors say this is a consequence of better diagnosis and treatment, but lifestyle has a significant impact.

Doctor Bernard Shehu declares for Euronews Albania: “Factors related to lifestyle, substance abuse such as drugs and alcohol are risks for cardiovascular diseases. A good diagnosis helps increase the number of diagnoses.”

On average, there are 10 cardiac emergencies every day.

Doctors are concerned that heart disease is affecting younger and younger individuals, including 25-year-old patients with acute myocardial infarction.

“Drug abuse, especially cocaine, directly affects the occurrence of myocardial infarction and coronary diseases at young ages,” said Shehu.

According to doctors, the heart gives signals when it is suffering, so we should listen to it.

“Any chest pain associated with physical exertion should be taken seriously. It is an emergency; we must call 127,” declared cardiologist Shehu.

In recent years, Albania has been ranked among the countries with a high risk for heart diseases, with around 3,000 heart attacks per year, of which 12% do not survive.