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International differences in developing improvements in cardiovascular health
Insights
Cardiovascular disease mortality is high in men across industrialized nations, with Eastern Europe showing the highest rates and concerning increases. This highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Understanding trends in CVD mortality is crucial for public health interventions.
- International data comparison provides insights into regional disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mortality trends for all causes, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases.
- To compare these trends between men and women aged 30-69 years across industrialized nations.
- To identify geographical variations and temporal changes in CVD mortality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mortality data from 1975-1985 obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO) Data Bank.
- Inclusion of data from 30 industrialized countries.
- Stratification of data by sex and age group (30-69 years).
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular diseases account for nearly half of male deaths in most analyzed countries.
- Eastern European countries exhibit the highest mortality rates for most CVDs studied.
- A notable increase in mortality rates over the last decade was observed, particularly in men in Eastern Europe.
Conclusions:
- Significant regional disparities in CVD mortality exist, with Eastern Europe facing a critical burden.
- Increasing mortality trends, especially in men, underscore the urgency for preventive measures.
- International collaborative projects like the WHO MONICA Project are vital for monitoring and addressing CVDs.
Abstract:
The mortality rates for the years 1975-1985 for all causes, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases obtained from the WHO Data Bank in Geneva were analysed separately for men and women in the age group 30-69 years. Data from 30 industrialised countries were available for the analysis. In most of the countries cardiovascular diseases are still responsible for nearly half the deaths in men. The highest mortality rates, except for coronary heart disease, in the age groups studied are in Eastern Europe. Most countries in this region have also registered an increase in the mortality rates during the last decade. This increase is more pronounced in men than in women. The importance of the WHO MONICA Project (Multinational Monitoring of Cardiovascular Disease and Their Determinants) for interpreting these trends is discussed. Information is provided about another WHO project "The Intensified Programme in Coronary Heart Disease Prevention" in which 27 countries are participating. The aim of this project is to facilitate the national action plans for preventing coronary heart disease and exchanging information on their implementation in different countries.