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Published on: September 26, 2018
Cardiovascular disease burden in the Middle East and North Africa region
Laith Alhuneafat1, Omar Al Ta'ani2, Ahmad Jabri3
1Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 508, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) shows decreasing age-standardized rates but rising raw counts. Key risk factors include hypertension and high LDL-C, necessitating tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death, with significant impact in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
- Limited research exists on the specific burden of CVD and its risk factors within the MENA population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with CVD in 21 MENA countries.
- To identify major risk factors contributing to the CVD burden in the region.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data for 21 MENA countries.
- Employed Bayesian regression, demographic methods, and mortality-to-incidence ratios for prevalence and mortality analysis.
- Calculated DALYs and assessed risk factors using the GBD comparative risk assessment framework.
Main Results:
- Between 1990-2019, raw CVD counts increased significantly, while age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates decreased.
- Ischemic heart disease was most prevalent; CVA rates were higher in women. DALYs decreased overall but varied by country and were higher in males.
- Hypertension, high LDL-C, poor diet, and elevated BMI were leading risk factors. Afghanistan, Egypt, and Yemen had the highest DALYs.
Conclusions:
- Despite progress, CVD mortality and morbidity, especially from ischemic heart disease, remain substantial in the MENA region.
- Significant country-specific variations in CVD burden highlight the need for tailored interventions.
- Addressing socio-economic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and political stability is crucial for mitigating CVD impact.
Introduction:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. However, limited research has been conducted on the burden of CVD in this region. Our study aims to investigate the burden of CVD and related risk factors in the MENA.
Methods:
We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 to examine CVD prevalence in 21 MENA countries. Prevalence and mortality were analyzed using Bayesian regression tools, demographic methods, and mortality-to-incidence ratios. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated, and risk factors were evaluated under the GBD's comparative risk assessment framework.
Results:
Between 1990 and 2019, CVD raw accounts in the MENA increased by 140.9%, while age standardized prevalence slightly decreased (-1.3%). CVD raw mortality counts rose by 78.3%, but age standardized death rates fell by 28%. Ischemic heart disease remained the most prevalent condition, with higher rates in men, while women had higher rates of CVA. Age standardized DALYs decreased by 32.54%. DALY rates varied across countries and were consistently higher in males. Leading risk factors included hypertension, high LDL-C, dietary risks, and elevated BMI. The countries with the three highest DALYs in 2019 were Afghanistan, Egypt, and Yemen.
Conclusions:
While strides have been made in lessening the CVD burden in the MENA region, the toll on mortality and morbidity, particularly from ischemic heart disease, remains significant. Country-specific variations call for tailored interventions addressing socio-economic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and political stability.
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