CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, RISK FACTORS, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the leading cause of global mortality, accounting for approximately 20 million deaths annually. This comprehensive article examines the epidemiology and burden of CVDs, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, arrhythmias, and hypertension. Both modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, tobacco use, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, and non-modifiable factors, including age, sex, genetics, and ethnicity, are analyzed. Evidence-based prevention strategies encompass lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and emerging digital health technologies. Current treatment approaches integrate novel pharmacological therapies, interventional procedures, and device-based interventions. Recent advances highlight the transformative potential of PCSK9 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, gene therapy, artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and microbiome-based therapies. Understanding the multifaceted nature of CVDs and implementing comprehensive, personalized prevention and treatment strategies are essential for reducing the substantial global burden of these diseases.