Basic trends in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents in the Russian Federation
The medicodemographic situation in the Russian Federation is marked by the world's highest rate of cardiovascular mortality. With the active development and improvement of new technologies of the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the share of the latter in the total morbidity structure increases with age in children of this country. In adolescents, cardiovascular diseases are beginning to come to the forefront. The increase in the incidence and prevalence of these diseases reflects their improved diagnosis. However, congenital heart diseases, including those in perinatality, are still undetectable. In the past three years, there has been a less activity in regular medical check-ups of children with diseases of the heart and vessels. Along with the decrease in childhood death from all causes, the cardiovascular mortality rates in children are not reducing and have been slightly increased in the past 15 years. A pediatric cardiological service works most effectively in the regions with an organized continuity of available and timely examination and treatment of children. The timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in childhood and adolescence are of fundamental importance in improving the general population's health.