Romania's cardiovascular death rate far exceeds EU average, new heart health campaign warns of hidden symptoms

In Romania, cardiovascular conditions cause half of all deaths and the mortality rate is 2.5 times the EU average, according to the Institutul Național de Sănătate Publică. The World Heart Federation’s 2026 awareness drive, now supported by the national public health institute, highlights that heart disease can present without classic chest pain, manifesting instead as persistent fatigue, unexplained palpitations, or difficulty breathing during exertion.

The campaign warns that risk factors such as tobacco use, high-salt and high-sugar diets, trans fats, sedentary lifestyles, excessive alcohol consumption and air pollution are largely preventable. It also points out that hypertension, elevated cholesterol and blood sugar often show no symptoms, making routine screening essential. Women may experience atypical symptoms like extreme tiredness or back pain, which can be mistaken for less serious conditions. The message concludes with a call to seek medical advice for any new or worsening symptoms and to adopt healthier daily habits.