National Program for Prevention of Heart and Vascular Diseases – Educational Activity

In Slovakia heart and vascular diseases are the leading causes of death and loss of disability-adjusted life years. Based on experiences and results of cardio-vascular program in 70-ies and 80-ies of past century new National program for prevention of heart and vascular diseases was adopted by Government of Slovak republic in March 2010.  Relevant authorities realized that sustained progress in prevention of non-communicable diseases especially heart and vascular diseases will occur only when government, professional associations and non-governmental organisations have to cooperate very closely. Creation of educational website is phased in 3 years. First year is dedicated to prevention of venous diseases, second to arterial and third year is dedicated to prevention of lymphatic diseases. Slovak Angiological Society participates by creation of editorial board, collective of authors and reviewers of educational articles. Non-governmental organisation – patient association Angio participates by organisation, personal and technical support. All activities were economically support by Government of Slovak republic. Such alliance has brought educational articles - professional, based on modern guidelines and experiences on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of vascular diseases.  Website is often visited by Slovak inhabitants and foreign visitors too - 23 068 pageviews in 10 months. Articles are reviewed, on high quality, used as references included in medical recommendations. Modern information and communication technologies may have positive effects on health. Common fruitful work of professional association, patient association and government has brought educational source giving rice to expectation. Active contribution of all project participants is transformed in trustworthy result.