Trends in cardiovascular disease: are we winning the war?

摘要

Cardiovascular disease generates a substantial burden of illness in Canada and beyond. Yet recent epidemiologic trends have been very encouraging. Deaths and rates of morbidity from cardiovascular disease fell by at least 50% in most countries from about 1980 to 2000. Some two-thirds of this decline can be attributed to a decrease in adverse events and reflects reductions in the prevalence of major risk factors. The remaining third is attributable to reduced case-fatality rates, owing mainly to treatments. This victory is worth celebrating; but are we winning our long-term war against cardiovascular disease?