Bulgaria's death rate is the second highest in Europe, Svetla Torbova, member of the Union of cardiologists in the country explained for the media.

Deaths resulting from cardiac illnesses also place Bulgaria second in the region, as they are 962 for every 100,000 people. The Community of Independent States (CIS) leads the lists and Romania takes the third place.

Half of the Bulgarians over the age of 50 suffer hypertonia - a precondition for high cholesterol level, Torbova explained. Raising cholesterol levels may lead to cardiac problems, she added.

A campaign aimed at lowering cholesterol levels for people was launched Wednesday in Sofia. The campaign called "High cholesterol kills! Have you checked yours?" is a joint initiative of the Union of the cardiologists in Bulgaria and the Association for overweight problems.

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