Cardiovascular disease: A global problem extending into the developing world

Abstract

This article reviews the current status of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the international scale. Presently viewed as an epidemic that has migrated from westernized societies to developing countries, several important issues are elaborated upon. They include the basis for the increasing prevalence of CVD and the associated societal implications. The challenges related to lack of resources and infrastructure support may also impede successful implementation of proven strategies to reduce CVD. In addition to traditional risk factors such as cigarette smoking, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, many developing countries must also contend with other risk biomarkers. Included in this grouping are human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and other infectious/inflammatory processes as well as nutritional and vitamin deficiencies that make preventive measures more difficult to prioritize. Taken together, greater partnering between local governments, affiliated hospitals and international societies is needed to enhance and facilitate efforts aimed at optimizing standard of care measures in developing countries in order to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Keywords: Developing world; Epidemic; Heart disease; Prevention; Risk factors; Urbanization.

Figure 1

Cause of death by percentage in each region[2].

Figure 2

Deaths attributable to 16 leading causes in developing countries, 2001[3].

Figure 3

Trends of urban populations in developing countries[5].

Figure 4

Cigarette consumption in select countries-comparing industrialized to non-industrialized countries[8,9].

Figure 5

Association between coronary events and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)[33]. A: Myocardial events amongst patients grouped by HIV-infection status; B: Myocardial events grouped by age. Light line represents HIV positive patients, dark line represents patients without HIV.