According to a new study, heart disease and stroke mortality rate have almost declined in many high-income countries and increasing in some other countries.
The researchers of the study analysed trends in cardiovascular disease mortality, which consisted of mainly heart disease and stroke – in 23 high-income countries since the year 2000. The study found that cardiovascular disease mortality rates for people aged 35 to 74 years are now barely declining, or are increasing, in 12 of the 23 countries.
Cardiovascular mortality rate increased in the US and Canada in recent years, while saw a decline n Australia, UK and New Zealand by at least 20%
“Research suggests that obesity, or at least poor diet, may have been a significant contributor to the slowdown in the decline of cardiovascular disease deaths,” said Alan Lopez, Professor at the University of Melbourne.
“Each of these countries has very high levels of obesity. In Australia, close to one-third of adults are obese,” Lopez said.
The researchers observed that obesity is the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease mortality — others include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
“Failure to address these issues could confirm the end of the long-term decline in cardiovascular disease deaths and threaten future gains in life expectancy.” concluded study’s co-author Tim Adair, a researcher at the varsity.