Incidence rates for stroke and ischemic heart disease are dropping globally, except in a few areas, per a recent study. The research indicates that in regions such as East and West Sub-Saharan Africa, East and Central Asia, and Oceania, the rates of ischemic heart disease are rising. This increase is linked to eight factors including poor diet, high body mass index (BMI), and household air pollution.
Recent findings published in the open access journal PLOS Global Public Health reveal that while stroke and ischemic heart disease occurrences are falling worldwide, a few regions are experiencing the opposite trend. Researchers led by Wanghong Xu from Fudan University identified that areas like East and West Sub-Saharan Africa, East and Central Asia, and Oceania are seeing a rise in ischemic heart disease rates, potentially due to factors such as dietary habits, high BMI, and household air pollution.
Cardiovascular diseases rank among the leading causes of death and disability globally. In 2019, ischemic heart disease and stroke contributed to 16% and 11% of total deaths, respectively. Although the overall incidence of these diseases has declined, the rate of decline is uneven across different regions, with some showing an increase.
The research team examined worldwide data spanning from 1990 to 2019 regarding the occurrence of ischemic heart disease and stroke, as well as exposure to 87 potential contributing factors. The findings reveal that ischemic heart disease is generally more prevalent than stroke, with its rate decreasing from 316 to 262 cases per 100,000 people and stroke from 181 to 151 cases per 100,000 over the thirty-year period. The rise in ischemic heart disease in specific areas correlates with a changes in eight identified factors: a diet high in trans fats, low calcium intake, elevated BMI, household air pollution from solid fuels, non-exclusive breastfeeding, ergonomic occupational hazards, vitamin A deficiency, and exposure to harmful particulate matter, gases, and fumes, as classified by World Bank income levels.
The results highlight the impact of socioeconomic development on the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders and strokes, indicating that countries undergoing swift economic changes and lifestyle transformations may experience an uptick in these diseases. This study offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and the possibilities for focused interventions.
The authors remark: “This research delineates the notably different trends in ischemic heart disease and stroke incidence across various nations, pinpoints eight key factors contributing to these disparities, and emphasizes the crucial influence of socioeconomic progress on the relationship between risk factors and the incidence of these two cardiovascular conditions.”
