Cardiovascular Diseases: Global Impact, Risk Factors and Prevention

It's a sobering fact: over three-quarters of deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) occur in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, on the brighter side, simple lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce these numbers. This global health crisis requires our immediate attention and action. As we delve deeper into the stats, causes, and preventions, we hope to enlighten you and empower you to make healthier choices.

Understanding Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases, as defined by the World Health Organization, are disorders related to the heart and blood vessels. These include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions. Alarmingly, CVDs are now the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives every year. Over 80% of these deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and a third occurs prematurely in people under 70 years of age.

The Rising Global Burden of CVDs

The global burden of cardiovascular diseases has almost doubled from 1990 to 2019, with cases surging from 271 million to 523 million. Deaths from heart diseases also witnessed a similar increase, from 12.1 million in 1990 to 18.6 million in 2019. The most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease, which involves problems with the heart's blood vessels, including blockages.

Demographics and Disparities

Women, unfortunately, are more likely to die from heart disease. Additionally, regardless of the care received, Black people have a 33% higher likelihood of dying from heart disease while in the hospital. In the Western Pacific, CVDs account for nearly 40% of all deaths, making it the leading cause of death in the region. This region also bears the heaviest burden of rheumatic heart disease, a significant health issue in low- and middle-income countries and Indigenous communities in Australia and New Zealand. Notably, 5.7 million people die from CVD every year in the Western Pacific.

Identifying Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Some of these factors are within our control, while others are not. Behavioral risk factors include tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, and inadequate physical activity. Physiological factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar or glucose. These are often linked to underlying social determinants such as ageing, income and urbanization.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Despite the grim statistics, there's hope. A recent study focusing on women aged 15 to 49 in India revealed the highest prevalent risk factor for CVDs to be central obesity, followed by overweight obesity, oral contraceptive use, raised blood pressure, raised blood sugar, tobacco use, and alcohol use. These findings highlight the potential for disease prevention through simple lifestyle changes. By reducing tobacco use, maintaining a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular physical activity, we can significantly decrease the risk of developing heart diseases.

It's crucial to remember that each individual's situation is unique, and it's essential to tailor preventive measures to cater to local needs and disparities. By understanding the risk factors and taking steps to mitigate them, we can make a substantial difference in reducing the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.