Cardiovascular disease facts

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Cardiovascular Disease Facts

Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, encompassing conditions such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease. In 2019, CVD accounted for nearly half of all deaths in both rural and urban areas of China, affecting approximately 330 million individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly one-third of all deaths in 2019 were due to myocardial or vascular diseases, with myocardial infarction and stroke accounting for 85% of these deaths.

Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face a significantly higher risk of developing CVD, which often leads to a reduction in life expectancy by at least 11 years. Chronic hyperglycemia in T1D promotes oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to increased atherosclerosis and CVD . Even well-controlled T1D patients exhibit abnormalities in lipoproteins, which are implicated in the development of premature CVD.

Type 2 Diabetes

CVD is the most frequent and costly complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Diabetic individuals, particularly Native Americans, show a significantly higher risk of CVD compared to non-diabetic individuals. Factors such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and albuminuria are critical predictors of CVD in diabetic populations.

Cardiovascular Disease in South Asian Migrants

South Asian migrants have a 1.5-2 times greater prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to age- and sex-adjusted Europids. Increased abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia are primary drivers of this excess CAD burden. Lifestyle changes post-immigration, such as sedentary behavior and dietary modifications, further contribute to increased CVD risks in this population.

Environmental Factors in Cardiovascular Disease

Environmental exposures, including ambient air pollution and metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead, significantly contribute to the development and severity of CVD. These exposures can exacerbate traditional risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, leading to increased cardiovascular risk even at levels below current regulatory standards.

Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health

Dietary patterns play a crucial role in the prevention of CVD. Western diets, characterized by high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, are associated with increased CVD risk. In contrast, healthier dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) show a greater magnitude of beneficial effects in reducing CVD risk. Emphasizing a combination of multiple foods and nutrients rather than single nutrient supplementation is more effective in preventing CVD.

Genetic Factors in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease has a complex etiology involving multiple genetic and environmental influences. Genetic factors such as cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes contribute significantly to CVD susceptibility. The identification and characterization of these genes remain a major challenge for researchers.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of global mortality, driven by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Effective prevention and management strategies must address these multifaceted risk factors to reduce the global burden of CVD.