Integrating Cardiology and Public Health: A Review of Population-Based Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality are rising globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Therapeutic advances have not curbed the increasing CVD burden, driven by demographic shifts, lifestyle changes, and socioeconomic disparities.
• Current approaches often focus on individual clinical management, neglecting broader determinants of health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review population-based strategies for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.
• To evaluate the role of integrating cardiology and public health in CVD prevention.
• To identify effective and scalable approaches for reducing the global CVD burden.

Main Methods:

• Structured narrative synthesis of epidemiological evidence.
• Analysis of risk factor frameworks, policy interventions, and large-scale prevention initiatives.
• Evaluation of strategies across primordial, primary, and secondary prevention domains.

Main Results:

• Effective CVD risk reduction requires addressing environmental, behavioral, and structural determinants of health beyond clinical management.
• National screening, community-based strategies, and regulatory policies show measurable impact.
• Gaps persist in evidence quality, health system integration, and equitable inclusion of vulnerable populations.

Conclusions:

• Alignment between clinical cardiology, public health systems, and multisectoral policies is key to improving CVD prevention delivery and equity.
• Strengthening primary care, advancing digital health, and embedding prevention in social policy are vital for resilient systems, especially in resource-constrained settings.