The Influence Of Economic Crisis On Cardiovascular Health

Introduction: The economic crisis has obviously negative effects on society. In the context of economical crisis, there is an increase in morbidity and mortality rates derived from cardiovascular diseases and more particularly from acute heart attacks. The inability of patients’ compliance to treatment due to the cost and the negative effects of stress, as a consequence of the economic crisis, on cardiovascular health, is also apparent. Objective: The objective of this review is to investigate the effect of economic crisis on the cardiovascular system and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Exclusion criterion for the articles was other language used except from Greek and English. Methodology: Extensive review of the relevant literature was performed via electronic databases (Medline, Pubmed, Cinhal, Scopus,Google Scholar) and scientific journals using the appropriate key words. Results: In all countries in economic crisis the health of the lower socioeconomic strata suffers more due to limited access to health services and this fact combined with higher rates of anxiety and depression and increased rates of smoking leads to increased cardiovascular mortality. The sleep disorders are also present mainly due to the uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Furthermore, an increase of alcohol consumption in combination with all the above events have devastating effects in the cardiovascular system. Conclusions: From the experience we have so far in the countries affected by the economic crisis, it seems that there is a direct connection between the crisis and the rise of the cardiovascular diseases. It is necessary, therefore, to find alternative ways to deal with anxiety and depression, to make efforts to improve living and to try to overcome habits that damage the cardiovascular system and as a result they lead to a deterioration of the existing situation with painful consequences on the health of individuals.