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Cardiovascular diseases in the eastern Mediterranean region
1WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Alexandria, Egypt.
World Health Statistics Quarterly. Rapport Trimestriel De Statistiques Sanitaires Mondiales
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Noncommunicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, are increasing in the Eastern Mediterranean Region due to development and urbanization. Early data collection on risk factors is crucial for prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are rising in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, driven by socioeconomic development, urbanization, and improved survival rates.
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a primary cause of illness and death, with hypertension prevalence already high and projected to increase.
- The impact of CVDs, including human and economic costs, is significant, necessitating urgent action and increased medical services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
- To underscore the need for comprehensive prevention and control programs for cardiovascular disease.
- To identify the necessity of preliminary activities focusing on data collection and risk factor assessment for coronary heart disease.
Main Methods:
- The abstract indicates a review of existing understanding of cardiovascular disease impact and hypertension prevalence.
- It notes the initiation or planned establishment of cardiovascular disease prevention programs in collaboration with the WHO.
- It emphasizes the need for data collection and risk factor assessment due to scarcity of precise epidemiological information.
Main Results:
- Hypertension prevalence is already high in many Eastern Mediterranean Region countries and is expected to rise.
- Epidemiological and clinical patterns of hypertension appear similar to those in developed countries.
- Most countries recognize the growing impact of CVD and the need for action, with many initiating prevention programs.
Conclusions:
- The increasing prevalence of NCDs, especially CVDs and hypertension, poses a significant public health challenge in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
- Effective prevention and control strategies require robust data on epidemiological patterns and risk factors.
- Collaborative efforts, including those with the WHO, are essential for developing and implementing targeted interventions.