The burden of cardiovascular disease in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1990-2019: An analysis of the global burden of disease study

Abstract

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, including the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. However, limited research has been conducted on the burden of CVD in this region. Our study aims to investigate the burden of CVD and related risk factors (RFs) in the LAC.

Methods

We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 to examine CVD prevalence in 33 LAC countries. Prevalence, mortality, and incidence were analyzed using Bayesian regression tools, demographic methods, and mortality-to-incidence ratios. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated, and RFs were evaluated under the GBD's comparative risk assessment framework.

Results

Between 1990 and 2019, CVD raw rates in the LAC increased by 116.7 %, while age-standardized prevalence decreased (-9.2 %). CVD raw mortality rose by 71.2 %, but age-standardized death rates fell by 69.8 %. Ischemic heart disease remained the most prevalent condition, with higher rates in men, while women had higher rates of stroke. Age-standardized DALYs decreased by 70.9 %. DALY rates varied across countries and were consistently higher in males. Leading RFs included HTN, high LDL, dietary risks, and elevated BMI.

Conclusions

Despite progress in reducing the CVD burden in the LAC region, the impact on mortality and morbidity, particularly related to ischemic heart disease, remains substantial. Tailored interventions are necessary, considering country-specific variations in socio-economic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and political stability.