Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases

TLDR

Part I discusses the epidemiological transition that has reduced childhood infection deaths while increasing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, and estimates the burden of cardiovascular disease with a focus on developing countries. The article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the global burden of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease, including regional and ethnic variations, key risk factors, and prevention strategies. The authors analyze how ethnicity, region, and urbanization shape cardiovascular disease burden and risk factor profiles. Key cardiovascular risk factors may have been underestimated, underscoring their importance in disease burden.

Abstract

This two-part article provides an overview of the global burden of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. Part I initially discusses the epidemiological transition which has resulted in a decrease in deaths in childhood due to infections, with a concomitant increase in cardiovascular and other chronic diseases; and then provides estimates of the burden of cardiovascular (CV) diseases with specific focus on the developing countries. Next, we summarize key information on risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and indicate that their importance may have been underestimated. Then, we describe overarching factors influencing variations in CVD by ethnicity and region and the influence of urbanization. Part II of this article describes the burden of CV disease by specific region or ethnic group, the risk factors of importance, and possible strategies for prevention.