Epidemiology of cardiometabolic health in Latin America and strategies to address disparities

Abstract

In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), sociodemographic context, socioeconomic disparities and the high level of urbanization provide a unique entry point to reflect on the burden of cardiometabolic disease in the region. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in LAC, precipitated by population growth and ageing together with a rapid increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, predominantly obesity and diabetes mellitus, over the past four decades. Strategies to address this growing cardiometabolic burden include both population-wide and individual-based initiatives tailored to the specific challenges faced by different LAC countries, which are heterogeneous. The implementation of public policies to reduce smoking and health system approaches to control hypertension are examples of scalable strategies. The challenges faced by LAC are also opportunities to foster innovative approaches to combat the high burden of cardiometabolic diseases such as implementing digital health interventions and team-based initiatives. This Review provides a summary of trends in the epidemiology of cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors in LAC as well as context-specific disease determinants and potential solutions to improve cardiometabolic health in the region. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), precipitated by the unique milieu of population growth, rapid urbanization, socioeconomic disparities and prevalent cardiometabolic risk factors. Brant and colleagues summarize trends in cardiometabolic health in LAC and discuss tailored, innovative solutions to address the growing burden of disease in the region.