The global burden of cardiovascular disease

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2011 Jul:10 Suppl 2:S5-13. doi: 10.1016/S1474-5151(11)00111-3.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) today is responsible for approximately one-third of deaths worldwide, and that figure will surely increase in both developing and developed countries as risk factors for the disease--primarily dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking--continue to increase. Although these risk factors are modifiable, to date there is a relative paucity of measures to prevent or control them, particularly in developing countries. A population strategy combined with a high-risk strategy for CVD prevention could greatly reduce the burden of disease in the coming decades. Many initiatives are working, but many more are needed. This chapter provides background on the global burden of CVD and provides the context for the subsequent chapters addressing nurses' roles in reversing the bleak predictions for the ravages of CVD if risk factors are left unchecked in the coming decades.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • Global Health*
  • Health Promotion*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Health Transition
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Distribution
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Prevention