Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Prevention: A Perspective From Developing Countries.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature death globally, disproportionately affecting lower-income countries.
• Research since the mid-20th century has identified key individual risk factors like smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
• Major studies like INTERHEART and INTERSTROKE highlight that common risk factors account for over 90% of myocardial infarction and stroke risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and prevention strategies.
• To emphasize the importance of risk factor management in reducing morbidity and mortality.
• To highlight the need for reviewing and revising dietary recommendations for CVD prevention, especially in developing countries.

Main Methods:

• Review of extensive research on CVD causes and risk factors since the mid-20th century.
• Analysis of findings from major case-control studies (INTERHEART, INTERSTROKE) on risk factor attribution.
• Examination of current international guidelines and the efficacy of pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

• Nine and ten common risk factors explain over 90% of myocardial infarction and stroke risks, respectively.
• Pharmacological interventions targeting blood pressure, glucose, and lipids demonstrate efficacy in reducing CVD events.
• Long-term adherence to interventions remains a challenge, necessitating updated and potentially revised dietary recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Effective CVD prevention hinges on managing identified major risk factors.
• Existing dietary recommendations for CVD prevention may require revision based on new research.
• A focus on CVD prevention and treatment in developing countries is crucial, considering the global burden.