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Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Croatia, with significant regional differences. Despite high mortality rates, high prevalence of various cardiovascular risk factors and well organized public health network, comprehensive system for cardiovascular disease monitoring and interventions does not exist. In this study we analyzed legislation framework and responsibilities of stakeholders relevant for cardiovascular disease surveillance and prevention. According to the international experiences we analyzed characteristics of cardiovascular disease prevention in Croatia and causes of the problems appeared in the preventive programs in Croatia. Analysis showed that primary problem is not inefficiency, but the existence of barriers in preventive activities definition, responsibilities distribution and task implementation. Main cause for such situation is incompatibility of the existing practices in clinical medicine and public health with recommendations from other countries. For the successful prevention of cardiovascular disease in Croatia at least three changes need to be made – define new terms and contents of prevention, define new responsibilities distribution and provide equity in health as basic criterion for successful preventive programs.

The aim of this study was to compare differences in sexual behavior between patients with benign and malignant breast tumors. A total of 187 patients treated for breast tumors (benign or malignant) at the General Hospital »Po`ega«, Croatia, filled in the questionnaire between January 2001 and May 2003. Patients were asked to fill in the questionnaire one to ten years after treatment of breast tumor, while they were on their regular control visit. Deterioration in sexual life experienced 36.27% of patients with benign tumors and 51.76% of patients with malignant tumor (p<0.01). The main reason of sex life impairment in both groups was distortion of body image perception. Most of partners did not change their behavior toward women with breast tumors (48.72% for benign group and 41.82% or malignant group, p>0.05). A great amount of women in both groups felt certain change in her »body image«, but in greater extent in malignant group (41.18% vs. 25.49%), (p<0.05). From our results we can see that patients in this study do not recognize need for consultation with their physician regarding sex life after treatment of tumor (41.18% for benign and 35.29% in malignant group). It can be concluded that considerable amount of attention should be given to psychological aspects of recovery which can improve prognosis and quality of life in general.