article · Global Heart
This research analysed global cardiovascular disease (CVD) data from multiple sources, including the Global Burden of Disease Study, to understand the disease burden, risk factors, and policy implementation. It found that CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide, with 80% of 2021 fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia region experiences the highest CVD mortality. While women generally have lower CVD mortality, this is not true in nearly 30% of countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Raised blood pressure is the primary global risk factor. The study highlighted significant regional differences in policy implementation, with Sub-Saharan Africa having the lowest scores on a critical policy index. It recommends that policymakers assess national risk profiles and implement fundamental strategies like tobacco control, medication availability, and dedicated NCD units, supported by adequate healthcare funding.
This research highlights the devastating global impact of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in lower-income regions. By identifying key risk factors and significant gaps in policy implementation, it provides crucial insights for governments and health organisations to develop targeted interventions, improve healthcare access, and ultimately save lives worldwide.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, specific users, or a readiness level for commercialisation. It focuses on epidemiological findings and policy recommendations for governments and health organisations to improve public health strategies and healthcare system funding.
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Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally. Of the 20.5 million CVD-related deaths in 2021, approximately 80% occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, NCD Countdown initiative, WHO Global Health Observatory, and WHO Global Health Expenditure database, we present the burden of CVDs, associated risk factors, their association with national health expenditures, and an index of critical policy implementation. The Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia region face the highest levels of CVD mortality globally. Although CVD mortality levels are generally lower in women than men, this is not true in almost 30% of countries in the North Africa and Middle East and Sub-Saharan regions. Raised blood pressure remains the leading global CVD risk factor, contributing to 10.8 million deaths in 2019. The regions with the highest proportion of countries achieving the maximum score for the WHF Policy Index were South Asia, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, and the High-Income regions. The Sub-Saharan Africa region had the highest proportion of countries scoring two or less. Policymakers must assess their country's risk factor profile to craft effective strategies for CVD prevention and management. Fundamental strategies such as the implementation of National Tobacco Control Programmes, ensuring the availability of CVD medications, and establishing specialised units within health ministries to tackle non-communicable diseases should be embraced in all countries. Adequate healthcare system funding is equally vital, ensuring reasonable access to care for all communities.
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DOI: 10.5334/gh.1288
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