Cardiovascular disease remains the top cause of death and disease globally, with disparities in risks among populations, according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) collaborators. The latest report revealed that in 2023, nearly 20 million people worldwide succumbed to cardiovascular disease, resulting in 437 million disability-adjusted life-years lost. Ischemic heart disease and stroke were the leading culprits, contributing significantly to the burden of cardiovascular disease.
Senior researcher Gregory Roth emphasized the concerning trend of increasing cardiovascular disease burden globally, with high blood pressure being a major risk factor. The study highlighted a 1.4-fold rise in disability-adjusted life-years lost to cardiovascular disease between 1990 and 2023, with substantial disparities in rates among countries of different sociodemographic indices.
Notably, the burden of cardiovascular disease was most pronounced in countries with lower sociodemographic indices, indicating a strong link between social and economic conditions and health outcomes. Oceania had the highest rate of disability-adjusted life-years, while high-income countries in the Asia Pacific region reported the lowest rates.
Between 1990 and 2023, both men and women experienced significant increases in disability-adjusted life-years due to cardiovascular disease. The analysis underscored that modifiable risk factors accounted for nearly 80% of the disability-adjusted life-years lost globally, with high systolic blood pressure, poor diet, high LDL cholesterol levels, and air pollution being major contributors.
Roth pointed out the regional variations in cardiovascular risk factors, with hypertension being predominant in sub-Saharan Africa, while Eastern and Central Europe faced challenges from tobacco and alcohol use. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for policymakers to implement targeted interventions such as taxation strategies to promote cardiovascular health.
Ambient and household air pollution emerged as an underappreciated risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with lead exposure playing a significant role in raising blood pressure and cardiovascular risks. Roth emphasized the importance of addressing sources of pollution to mitigate cardiovascular disease risks and improve population health in the long term.
Roth highlighted the importance of the healthcare context in addressing cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare, prehospital care, and effective interventions. He suggested leveraging strategies like the polypill, a combination therapy for hypertension, to tackle the burden of systolic hypertension and improve medication adherence.
Overall, the study sheds light on the persistent challenge of cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death and disability globally, urging concerted efforts to address modifiable risk factors and promote cardiovascular health on a global scale.
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