Global trends in cardiovascular disease: rising burden in transitioning regions

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading global cause of death and disability, with ischemic heart disease and stroke accounting for 16% and 11% of total deaths in 2019, respectively. While global incidence rates for these conditions have generally declined over the past three decades, certain regions are experiencing increases, according to a study in PLOS Global Public Health led by Wanghong Xu of Fudan University.

The research analysed global data from 1990 to 2019, examining trends in ischemic heart disease and stroke alongside exposure to 87 risk factors. Worldwide, ischemic heart disease cases dropped from 316 to 262 per 100,000 people, and stroke cases fell from 181 to 151 per 100,000. However, rates of ischemic heart disease are rising in regions such as East and West Sub-Saharan Africa, East and Central Asia, and Oceania.

This rise may be linked to eight key factors: diets high in trans fats or low in calcium, high BMI, household air pollution from solid fuels, nonexclusive breastfeeding, vitamin A deficiency, occupational ergonomic risks, and exposure to particulate matter and fumes. These factors, influenced by socioeconomic development and rapid economic transitions, may exacerbate disease rates in vulnerable regions.

The study highlights the importance of understanding how changing lifestyles and economic conditions contribute to cardiovascular disease. Targeted interventions addressing these risks could mitigate the growing burden in affected regions. Researchers emphasise that these findings reveal the critical role of socioeconomic shifts in shaping global cardiovascular health.