Taking care of our hearts is one of the most profound commitment we can make for ourselves and our loved ones. Understanding cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a key part of it. In this article, we’ll explore ten essential facts about CVD, helping you comprehend its impact, recognize the risks, and discover how we can all work together to help prevent it.
Fact 1: CVD is the Leading Cause of Death Worldwide
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which include various conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, is the leading cause of death worldwide.1 Around 17.9 million people lose their lives to CVD each year, accounting for 32% of global deaths.1 What’s even more remarkable is that 85% of these losses are caused by heart attacks and strokes, showing just how much these two conditions contribute to the broader issue of cardiovascular disease.1
Every year, CVD claims 1.8 million lives in the EU alone, accounting for 36% of all deaths.2 On top of this, more than 60 million people across the EU are living with CVD, facing daily challenges related to their heart health.2
Fact 2: Global Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease
The impact of CVD isn’t experienced equally across all regions.1 More than 75% of CVD-related deaths occur in low and middle income countries.1 These regions often face significant challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, fewer preventive measures, and a lack of awareness about heart health.1 This inequality highlights how crucial it is to continue and improve healthcare support and education in these regions.1
Fact 3: Gender Differences in CVD
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of both death and premature death among women worldwide.3 Despite ongoing global efforts to address this, one in three women still loses her life to CVD, and the numbers are unfortunately on the rise.3
Women with diabetes and hypertension are particularly vulnerable, with a significantly higher risk of developing CVD compared to men facing the same conditions.3 Female smokers are also at heightened risk—about 25% more likely to develop CVD than their male counterparts.3 For overweight women, the situation is even more concerning, as their risk of coronary heart disease increases by 64%, in contrast to a 46% increase in men.3
Fact 4: Psychological Factors and CVD Risk
Psychosocial factors like chronic stress, depression, and other mental health challenges have a surprisingly big impact on heart health.4 These factors can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by 30-50%—a risk level similar to better-known factors like high blood pressure or obesity.4 The way mental health affects cardiovascular health is complex. For example, chronic stress and depression can have direct effects, like raising heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation.4
Fact 5: Lifestyle Choices and CVD Risk
We may not be aware of it, but our daily habits significantly affect our heart health.5 To reduce the risk of heart disease, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests making some healthy lifestyle choices.5 This includes eating a balanced diet that’s low in salt and saturated fats, staying active regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol.5 Quitting smoking is also a huge step toward a healthier heart.5 Make sure you are keeping an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and take any prescribed medications as directed.5 Small, consistent changes in your daily habits can truly benefit your heart health.5
Fact 6: CVD is Not Just a Disease of the Elderly
A 2019 analysis from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) highlights an important reality: cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects individuals across all stages of life, not just the elderly.6 The study found that CVD holds the highest rates of mortality and disability-adjusted life years in every age group, with a significant burden observed in those aged 25-49, 50-69, and beyond 70 years.6 It is particularly sobering to realize that CVD impacts even younger age groups.6 While the risk and burden increase with age, early prevention and care can make a significant difference.6
Fact 7: Genetics and CVD
Genetics can also influence your risk of heart disease.7 According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and other heart issues.7 Some genetic variations can affect cholesterol levels or blood pressure, which, in turn, raise your risk of heart disease.7 If there is a family history of early heart disease, especially in parents or siblings, it might be a sign that your genetic risk is higher.7 This underscores the importance of being aware of heart health early on.
Fact 8: Seasonal Impacts on CVD
Cardiovascular disease often follows a seasonal pattern in many communities.8 We tend to see higher rates in the development of all types of CVD during the winter and after cold waves, with similar peaks happening during heat waves.8 Interestingly, people living in milder climates might be even more sensitive to these seasonal changes.8 Studies show a “winter peak” in CVD hospital admissions and mortality. The rates of CVD events are typically 10-20% higher during winter than in summer”.8
Fact 9: Community Interventions in CVD Prevention
Community and public health efforts can make a big difference in preventing cardiovascular disease.9 A systematic review published in the European Journal of Public Health looked at community-based interventions for CVD prevention in low- and middle-income countries.9 The results showed that these programs were effective in raising awareness about CVD and its risk factors, encouraging more physical activity, improving eating habits, and helping people manage their blood pressure and blood sugar.9 The most successful interventions involved mobilizing communities, offering health education, providing individual or group counselling, and training local health workers.9 This shows how well-designed community-based approaches can play a crucial role in reducing the global impact of cardiovascular diseases.
Fact 10: The Role of Physical Activity in CVD Prevention
Keeping physically active is crucial for both the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.10 The WHO suggests that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.10 On top of that, it’s a good idea to include muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days a week.10 And if you want even more health benefits, you can increase your moderate activity.
At Daiichi Sankyo, we are deeply committed to advancing cardiovascular health through research, education, and innovative treatment options. By empowering people to actively manage their health, we are aiming to help improve patient outcomes. We strive to support clinical communities and healthcare ecosystems to reduce the impact of CVD across Europe through raising awareness of holistic health approaches.
