The bigger killer of human beings all across the world is Cardiovascular Diseases and in this study it has been pointed out that the MORTALITY from Cardiovascular Diseases (DEATH) is predominantly due to Social factors: Diet Physical Activity Processed Foods(related to income) smoking(the largest contribution)
For CVD, metabolic risk factors (lipid levels, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity) accounted for about 40% of risk; hypertension was the largest factor.
I have felt that Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity are SOCIAL diseases. Lipid levels point out to diet, once again determined by socioeconomic or educational levels
There are factors outside our control but most of the factors for ILL HEALTH are within our control.
The question is, why do we keep on doing it, knowing well that our actions would lead to Ill health_
September 3, 2019
Modifiable Risk Factors Account for a Majority of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality
Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, FACC reviewing
Metabolic factors, such as hypertension, are the largest contributors to CVD risk, and behavioral factors, such as tobacco use, are the largest contributors to mortality risk.
To assess the worldwide impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and contributing risk factors, researchers used data from PURE, a prospective cohort study of people in 21 countries from five continents (NCT03225586). Countries were stratified by income level; 11% of participants were from high-income countries (HICs), 66% from middle-income countries (MICs), and 23% from low-income countries (LICs).
The authors evaluated associations of 14 modifiable risk factors with total mortality and CVD (CV death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) in over 150,000 people without CVD at baseline. Results during a median follow-up of 9.5 years were as follows:
Overall, about 70% of cardiovascular disease and deaths were attributed to modifiable risk factors.
For CVD, metabolic risk factors (lipid levels, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity) accounted for about 40% of risk; hypertension was the largest factor.
For mortality, behavioral risk factors (tobacco and alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and sodium intake) accounted for about 25% of risk, with tobacco use the largest factor.
Ambient air pollution was associated with 14% of risk for CVD.
In MICs and LICs, household air pollution, poor diet, low education, and low grip strength had stronger associations with CVD and mortality than in HICs.
For mortality, behavioral risk factors (tobacco and alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and sodium intake) accounted for about 25% of risk, with tobacco use the largest factor.
Ambient air pollution was associated with 14% of risk for CVD.
In MICs and LICs, household air pollution, poor diet, low education, and low grip strength had stronger associations with CVD and mortality than in HICs.
COMMENT
PURE suggests that most cardiovascular morbidity and mortality can be attributed to a small number of common, modifiable risk factors. While some factors (e.g., hypertension) have effects across all countries and income levels, others (e.g., household air pollution) vary with income. These data indicate that, just as disease prevalence and outcomes differ by country and resource level (NEJM JW Cardiol Sep 3 2019; [e-pub] and Lancet 2019 Sep 3; [e-pub]), so too might preventive strategies need to differ.
COMMENT