Risk factors of deaths related to cardiovascular diseases in World Health Organization (WHO) member countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Global Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health burden.
• Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease-related deaths across World Health Organization (WHO) member countries.
• To analyze the impact of metabolic, lifestyle, economic, socio-demographic, and health system factors on CVD mortality.

Main Methods:

• Multivariable regression analysis was employed.
• Data from 152 WHO member countries were analyzed.
• Factors examined included blood pressure, blood glucose, obesity, salt consumption, GINI index, dependent age ratio, number of doctors, and health expenditures per capita.

Main Results:

• Increased blood pressure, blood glucose, obesity, salt consumption, GINI index, and dependent age ratio were significantly associated with higher CVD deaths.
• CVD mortality was higher in low and high middle-income countries.
• Higher numbers of doctors and increased per capita health expenditures were associated with reduced CVD deaths.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic, lifestyle, economic, and socio-demographic factors significantly influence cardiovascular disease mortality.
• Investing in healthcare systems, including increasing the number of healthcare professionals and health expenditures, can mitigate CVD deaths.
• Findings provide evidence for targeted public health interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease deaths globally.