The landscape of cardiovascular health is undergoing a significant transformation, and organizations that show compassion towards patients will play a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes in the future. With new risk factors emerging, advancements in proactive cardiac care offer physicians and healthcare administrators more opportunities to identify cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and support patients in a way that aligns with the needs of care communities. Health system leaders must enable clinicians to meet patients where they are by understanding population health trends, the role providers can play, and how technology can assist in identifying and addressing CVD risks early on.
Recent years have seen significant improvements in modern cardiovascular health, despite ongoing challenges. For instance, the age-standardized death rate from CVD in the United States has decreased from over 500 in 1950 to just over 130 in 2021. It’s now believed that 90% of heart disease can be prevented through interventions in cardiovascular health. However, as CVD continues to be a significant public health concern globally, it’s essential to recognize that it remains an even more pressing issue in low and middle-income countries, where 80% of cardiovascular deaths occur.
One of the most critical factors contributing to this is social determinants of health such as low socioeconomic status. Limited educational and economic opportunities, lack of support from peers for healthier lifestyle choices, and increased psychosocial stressors all contribute to this risk factor. Addressing these social determinants will be crucial in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the future. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare administrators and clinicians to take specific actions to make progress towards better outcomes for their patients.
In conclusion, while great strides have been made towards improving overall cardiovascular health outcomes, there remain many challenges ahead. Healthcare leaders must continue working towards identifying new ways to address social determinants of health while leveraging technological advancements to improve proactive care delivery. By taking a personalized approach that considers each patient’s unique needs and circumstances, we can continue making progress towards better outcomes for those affected by heart disease worldwide.