Macroeconomics and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

The major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been known for at least half a century from both observational and clinical trial study designs.1–6 Despite advances in many countries, progress in prevention has been slow from a global perspective. The INTERHEART study and many epidemiological studies have shown that the vast majority of CVD can be explained by common risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking.7 The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study has led to a seismic shift in conceptualizing the burden of diseases and risk factors across countries and regions and has shown that the Western affluence model may be flawed when considering CVDs in low-income settings, where a dual burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases exists.8,9 Data exist at many levels in many forms, and the message of growing burden of risk factors and resultant disease is undeniable. Researchers and clinicians alike strive for better data, better study designs, and better analytic methods to improve our knowledge of the causation and prevention of CVD, which will, in turn, allow us to plan the most effective strategies. However, readers are forgiven for concluding that sufficient data already exist and that it is time for action. Article see p 1493 In reality, science alone rarely changes hearts and minds; such change requires multisectoral action with buy in from multiple stakeholders, including …