Study from the Global Burden of Disease Collaborator Network, including Khalifa University鈥檚 Dr. Wael Osman, tracks the global shifts in cardiovascular health over decades of heart health research.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world鈥檚 number one killer, but a comprehensive study spanning over three decades shows both progress and persistent challenges in the global fight against heart disease. The study was conducted by an extensive collaborative team of researchers from around the world, including Khalifa University鈥檚 Dr. Wael Osman, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences. One of many such studies by the Global Burden of Disease Collaborator Network, the investigation examines the trends and impacts of cardiovascular diseases globally from 1990 to 2022.
The global study with the Global Burden of Disease Collaborator Network, which includes more than 700 investigators worldwide, estimated the CVD burden for 204 countries and territories. The results were published in the, a top 1% journal.
The study shows that significant strides in reducing CVD mortality rates are tempered by the uneven distribution of progress. While, globally, CVD mortality has decreased by 34.9 percent since 1990, region disparities are stark: High-income Asia Pacific countries saw the lowest age-standardized CVD mortality rate in 2022, at 73.6 per 100,000 people, while Eastern Europe reported a rate of 432.3 per 100,000.
鈥淭he cardiovascular disease epidemic is a significant global health challenge, causing heart attacks, strokes, and other complications that greatly affect mortality and morbidity rates,鈥� the researchers say. 鈥淚n this study, countries and territories are categorized into different regions to give a comprehensive perspective. Eighteen cardiovascular conditions and 15 prominent risk factors were assessed across three categories, including environmental, metabolic and behavioral factors.鈥�
Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, and stroke remain the leading causes of CVD deaths, emphasizing the continued need for robust healthcare systems and effective public health strategies.
鈥淎s the disease results in a substantial number of premature deaths and preventable deaths, preventative measures and effective management strategies are essential,鈥� the study says. 鈥淐onsidering the aging population and rapid urbanization of contemporary societies, this underscores the necessity for increased awareness and action through targeted public health measures.鈥�
The study also 星空传媒 the impact of various risk factors on CVD rates. High systolic blood pressure is identified as the leading risk factor for CVD globally, contributing to the highest number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a measure of overall disease burden. On the other hand, household air pollution from solid fuels, a significant risk factor in lower-income regions, saw the largest decrease in attributable DALYs, dropping by 65.1 percent since 1990.
While the reduction in global CVD mortality rates is encouraging, the persistent high rates in regions like Eastern Europe and Central Asia point to an ongoing need for targeted health interventions and policies. For example, Central Asia saw a 16.5 percent decrease in mortality, compared to Australasia鈥檚 65.5 percent reduction. The overall global decline in CVD deaths demonstrates the potential benefits of improved healthcare access and advancements in medical technology, alongside the changes brought by policy shifts in diet, exercise and smoking habits.
This extensive study not only sheds light on the progress made but also underscores the work that remains. With continued international collaboration and commitment, further strides can be made towards a healthier global population.聽
Jade Sterling
Science Writer
27 May 2024
