The Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: A Mapping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global mortality, with heart attack and stroke being primary contributors.
• Despite increased awareness, the incidence and impact of CVDs continue to rise worldwide.
• Understanding the regional burden and risk factors is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the global burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their associated risk factors in adults.
• To analyze these burdens and risk factors across distinct World Health Organization (WHO) defined geographical regions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive mapping review methodology was employed.
• Extensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Scopus, WHO Global Health Observatory, and Google Scholar.
• Keywords encompassed cardiovascular diseases, burden, incidence, prevalence, prevention, and risk factors.

Main Results:

• Ischemic heart disease was prevalent in the Americas, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean, while stroke predominated in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific.
• Populations with lower socioeconomic status experience higher rates of premature mortality from CVDs.
• Identified preventable risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, air pollution, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet; emerging factors include sleep disturbances, depression, social isolation, pollution, and heavy metal exposure.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases exhibit significant geographical and demographic variations.
• Effective CVD management necessitates multifaceted strategies, including region-specific approaches, addressing socioeconomic disparities, lifelong risk management, enhancing healthcare capacity, and improving public health literacy.