An epidemic of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

摘要

Rarely are findings as stark and as far-reaching as those from the Global Burden of Metabolic Risk Factors of Chronic Diseases Collaborating Group that are published in today's Lancet. The three Articles analyse trends over the past generation in body-mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, and serum total cholesterol. The inescapable conclusion is that an epidemic of premature cardiovascular mortality is developing, the brunt of which will be borne by low-income and middle-income countries. Because each risk factor is modifiable, the studies are essential reading for health professionals at all levels in all countries, so that action can be taken to avoid catastrophic outcomes.