FH Europe Foundation is thrilled to welcome the Croatian Dyslipidemia Patients Association into our vibrant community network of patient organisations. This exciting addition marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to combat cardiovascular diseases and raise awareness about familial hyperlipidaemias.
Founded on 11th December 2023, the Croatian Dyslipidemia Patients Association is spearheaded by Iva Prgomet, a young HeFH patient and the association's president, with invaluable support from Professor Ivan Pećin.
Their mission is crucial, given that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Croatia, with every second person succumbing to unrecognised and unregulated conditions such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, and familial hyperlipidaemias.
Croatia has been blazing a trail with its innovative awareness campaigns, setting a shining example of excellence within our community. The Croatian Dyslipidemia Patients Association presentation at the FH Europe Foundation 2024 Annual Network Meeting in Vienna showcased their remarkable achievements and inspired fellow members.
Their initiatives have been both creative and impactful. The recent Zagreb Advent Run, which saw over 4,000 participants 'hunting for the silent killer', exemplifies their dynamic approach to raising FH awareness. Regular cholesterol and blood pressure tests for the general public, encouraging people to 'know their numbers', have become a cornerstone of their outreach efforts.
Their public health campaigns have been far-reaching, utilising public transport and billboards across Zagreb to spread their message. Their 'Do you know your number' and 'The Hunt for the Silent Killer' campaigns have resonated strongly with the public, helping to address the concerningly low 5% detection rate of dyslipidaemia in Croatia.
Looking ahead, we are delighted to announce that our 2025 Annual Network Meeting will be co-hosted with the Croatian Dyslipidemia Patients Association in Zagreb. This collaboration promises to be a fantastic opportunity for knowledge sharing and strengthening our collective impact.
The Croatian Dyslipidemia Patients Association's goals align perfectly with our mission: raising awareness, supporting patients, educating youth about the importance of exercise and healthy eating, improving patients' quality of life, and advocating for better therapy availability.
We at FH Europe Foundation are excited about this partnership and the potential it holds for advancing our shared objectives. Together, we look forward to making significant strides in the fight against dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases across Europe.