The Path to 78+: Cardiology’s Contribution to National Longevity

Russian President Vladimir Putin has set the strategic goal of increasing the life expectancy of Russian citizens to 78 years by 2030. A federal project was launched in 2018 to combat cardiovascular diseases and has resulted in a steady decline in mortality from circulatory system diseases, which reached an all-time low in 2024. Regular medical checkups have led to a 33% decrease in recurrent heart attacks and a 66% reduction in mortality from them. However, despite these successes, cardiovascular diseases remain the cause of every second death in Russia. In 2025, a new national project called ‘Long and Active Life’ was launched and the updated federal project to combat cardiovascular diseases was included in it to become the main driver in achieving the national goal of increasing life expectancy. The measures being implemented as part of the project devote significant attention to increasing patients’ adherence to treatment, as well as bolstering cooperation between patients and doctors, which will improve the efficacy of therapy. How has the cardiology service developed during the implementation of the previous federal project? What results have been achieved in the drug supply programme and what decisions have contributed to the availability of drugs? What strategies and approaches are needed to improve the effectiveness of the new project to combat cardiovascular diseases? How can untapped reserves help achieve the national goal of increasing life expectancy? What factors can improve patient compliance with prescribed therapy?