Georgia is a state with a population of about 3.8 million people, located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It has a rich history and culture, but also faces many challenges in terms of health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the leading cause of death in Georgia, and what factors contribute to it.
Cardiovascular Disease: The Number One Killer
According to the World Health Organization, the leading cause of death in Georgia is cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, hypertensive heart disease, and atherosclerosis. CVD accounted for 47% of all deaths in Georgia in 2019, followed by cancer (16%), and COVID-19 (5%).
CVD is a major public health problem in Georgia, as it affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic groups. Some of the risk factors for CVD are modifiable, meaning they can be changed or controlled, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet. Other risk factors are non-modifiable, meaning they cannot be changed, such as age, gender, family history, and genetics.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, CVD is preventable in most cases, by adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking regular medical check-ups and treatment. Some of the prevention strategies include:
Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
Reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake, and increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI)
Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week
Managing stress and coping with emotions in positive ways
Taking prescribed medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or other conditions as directed by a health care provider
Seeking emergency care if experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness in one side of the body, or sudden confusion or trouble speaking
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Georgia, and a major threat to the health and well-being of its population. However, it is not inevitable, and can be prevented or delayed by adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical care when needed. By raising awareness and taking action, we can reduce the burden of CVD in Georgia and improve the quality of life for ourselves and our loved ones.
