Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Diseases: Policies, Strategies, and Interventions

Abstract

The epidemiological transition characterized by the increased social and economic impact of non-communicable diseases at the expense of communicable, maternal-fetal, and nutritional diseases was described by Murray and Lopez in 1997 [1]. The recent publication of the updated results of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD-2010) [2] study confirms this trend. Since the first study in 1990 [3], ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease have been responsible for one in four deaths in 2010 and a 17–28 % increase in the years of life lost from premature death due to these conditions was observed. In the U.S., the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) decreased by 32.7 % between 1999 and 2009. However, one in three deaths are still caused by CVD, with an estimated cost of USD 312.6 billion in 2009 [4]. In South America, in addition to the aging population, increased urbanization has also played an important role in this transition. The increase in population size in large cities increases the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes [5]. These data are alarming when considering the vast scientific knowledge available for primary prevention and treatment of these diseases; therefore, these data should stimulate the formulation of comprehensive and effective public policies and population-based strategies.