Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases claimed more than 20 million lives in 2026. Managing these conditions often requires long-term treatment, and in some cases, patients must follow medical recommendations throughout their lives. Therefore, effective disease management depends not only on selecting the appropriate treatment but also on ensuring consistent adherence to prescribed therapy.
World Heart Day is observed annually on September 29 to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases. Its key message, “Don't Miss a Beat” serves as an important reminder of the significance of prevention, early detection and timely treatment.
Georgia also joins the global observance of World Heart Day. To mark the occasion, a masterclass for cardiologists was held with the support of international pharmaceutical company GM PHARMA, organized by the Georgian Society of Cardiology and the Healthcare Marketing Consulting Group.
The masterclass aimed to bring together international expertise and the practical experience of Georgian cardiologists to develop effective, practical approaches to improving patient adherence to treatment.
Major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption and stress. In cardiovascular disease management, prescribing treatment is only the first step. It is equally important that patients understand the necessity of their treatment and consistently follow their physicians' recommendations. Irregular medication use or discontinuing treatment without medical advice may increase the risk of complications, hospitalization, heart attack and stroke. This underscores the critical importance of effective collaboration between physicians and patients.
GM PHARMA is committed not only to improving access to medicines but also to supporting the professional development of healthcare professionals and raising patient awareness. As Tamar Nanobashvili, Product Manager for GM PHARMA's Cardiovascular Portfolio, explains, the company regularly participates in educational initiatives and, through this masterclass, has once again joined the global World Heart Day campaign:
“International pharmaceutical company GM PHARMA is continuously involved in educational and public awareness initiatives. Through this masterclass, we are once again joining the global World Heart Day campaign.
The central message of World Heart Day remains unchanged — „Don't Miss a Beat“. In 2026, particular emphasis is being placed on the message. The world's biggest killer is hiding in plain sight, highlighting the often-overlooked threat posed by cardiovascular diseases.
It is also important to note that cardiovascular diseases are among the chronic conditions for which medications are funded under Georgia's state healthcare program.
GM PHARMA's medicines are also widely represented in the State Universal Healthcare Program. The company's cardiovascular portfolio includes more than 10 pharmaceutical brands for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The state program is available to socially vulnerable individuals, pensioners, veterans, persons with disabilities and residents of villages located near the dividing lines adjacent to Georgia's occupied territories.”- Tamar Nanobashvili, Product Manager, Cardiovascular Portfolio, GM PHARMA.
International pharmaceutical company GM PHARMA has been operating in the Georgian market for 27 years. Its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Tbilisi is one of the leading pharmaceutical production plant in the Caucasus region, offering a complete technological manufacturing cycle for solid dosage forms. The company holds all necessary national and international certifications and authorizations required for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Since its establishment, GM PHARMA has remained committed to its founding mission and core values continuously improving product quality and performance through science-driven approaches and industry best practices, while manufacturing and supplying medicines that contribute to improving patients' quality of life.
In line with this commitment, the company's Research and Development (R&D) laboratory is currently working on several new cardiovascular medicines. These products are expected to become available in Georgia and other countries where GM PHARMA operates, providing healthcare professionals and their patients with additional treatment options and opportunities for more effective cardiovascular disease management.