Cardiovascular Disease Continues to Plague Global Health
photo of a gym with exercise machines
by Elisha Lewis
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide, posing
significant challenges to public health systems. Despite advances in medical science and
increased awareness of risk factors, recent statistics indicate a concerning trend that requires
immediate attention.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVD claims approximately 17.9 million annually, which accounts for 32% of all global deaths. Yet still, cardiovascular conditions are further complicated with coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and hypertension. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported the pervasiveness worsening of the disease. Despite efforts to help curtail the disease through lifestyle modification and medical therapeutics, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and complications thereof continue to
rise. In 2023, a reported 805,000 Americans died from heart-related complications, marking a drastic increase when compared year over year.
Researchers consistently share the leading factors that explain the persistence of CVD are sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, tobacco use, and an aging population. COVID-19 may also be a recent factor in the year-over-year increase as healthcare providers indicate that delays in routine screenings and preventative care may have worsened the years directly following the pandemic. Practitioners have begun to increase focus on the promotion of cardiovascular health to help reduce the burden of CVD though the impact of these actions may be delayed. Initiatives also encouraging physical activity, improving access to nutritious foods, and implementing
tobacco control measures are being prioritized at both the national and global levels. Medical technology continues to expand options for those affected by CVD to help them lead longer healthier lives. Minimally invasive procedures continue to be one of the treatment methods used by healthcare professionals that continue to improve as technology advances. Addressing the complexities of social, economic, and environmental challenges that lead to worse cardiovascular health will continue to be critical in our ever-changing national healthcare system as well as reducing the global ramifications of the epidemic. Getting preventative care, staying active, and eating the most nutritious diet possible can help reduce your overall risk of developing cardiovascular complications.
If you’d like to learn more about Cardiovascular Disease check out the links below:
Volunteer, Organize a Walk, or Donate, American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/en/volunteer/opportunities
Support, The Heart Foundation https://theheartfoundation.org/ways-to-help/
Volunteer or Donate, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation https://www.sca-aware.org/donate
References
1. World Health Organization (2021). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart Disease Facts.
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
3. National Center for Heatlh Statistics. (2021). National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm