Air pollution, diet, high BMI: the culprits behind rising heart diseases
While cases of heart disease and stroke have declined globally, some regions face a greater burden due to air pollution and unhealthy diets.
While global rates of stroke and ischemic heart disease are declining, some regions are showing a worrying upward trend, according to a study.
Published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS Global Public Health, Fudan University researchers led by Wanghong Xu analyzed three decades of data to understand these trends and the factors behind them.
The study examined global, regional and national data on ischemic heart disease and stroke between 1990 and 2019. Worldwide, ischemic heart disease cases declined from 316 to 262 per 100,000 people, and stroke cases declined from 181 to 151 per 100,000 people. ,
However, rates are increasing in regions such as Eastern and Western Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern and Central Asia, and Oceania.
This increase is linked to eight key factors:
- unhealthy diet rich in trans fats and
- low calcium diet
- high body mass index (BMI)
- Air pollution from domestic solid fuel
- lack of exclusive breastfeeding
- poor workplace ergonomics
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Exposure to harmful particles and smoke in certain jobs
Cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, remain the leading cause of death globally.
Ischemic heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries. This limits the supply of oxygen to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina), fatigue, or heart attack.
It is often linked to factors such as poor diet, smoking and high cholesterol. Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, causing brain cell damage and physical or cognitive impairment.
Combined, these two conditions were responsible for 27% of global deaths in 2019. While wealthier countries have seen significant declines in these diseases due to better health care and lifestyle changes, areas undergoing rapid economic transformation may face increased risk due to lifestyle and environmental changes.
The researchers said the role of socioeconomic development is helping shape these trends. Countries experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization often struggle with changing lifestyles that increase risk factors such as unhealthy diets and increased pollution.
The researchers said efforts to improve air quality, promote healthy diets and address workplace risks could help reverse this trend.
“This research underscores the complex relationship between socioeconomic development, lifestyle changes, and cardiovascular disease,” the authors said, calling for more region-specific strategies to tackle these health challenges.
