CVD deaths and economic prosperity are found to be inversely proportional in Asia. Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos and the Philippines registered the highest CVD deaths.

Over the last decade, there has been a definite shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), when it comes to deaths in Asia. A revealing study by the Ministry of Health in Singapore found that Asians not only have higher risks of developing hypertension and CVDs, but also of dying early from these conditions. Data from Asian nations indicate that Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos and Philippines have some of the highest death rates due to CVDs.

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Decoding data

According to the Global Burden Disease (GBD) report 2017, 423 deaths per lakh population due to CVDs was reported in Pakistan alone, highest in the region. Laos, Philippines and Indonesia reported 368, 370 and 342 deaths respectively, per lakh population.

Bangladesh reported 298 deaths, while India reported 282 deaths, China 261, Nepal 260 and Sri Lanka 197 deaths, per lakh population. Japan and South Korea registered the lowest death rate – 79 and 86 deaths respectively, per lakh population.

There is a strong divide between developed and developing nations in Asia-Pacific in terms of deaths caused by CVDs. Data from World Bank and Global Disease Burden Study report show that CVD death rates are inversely proportional to a country’s prosperity. The richer the country, the lower the CVD death rate.

Prosperity factor

In Australia, the CVD death rate in 1990 was 264 per lakh people, while the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita was AUD 28,658. In 2017, when the GDP rose to AUD 44,648, there was a decline in CVD deaths to 107 per lakh people.

The difference in years from 1990 to 2017 takes into account improved medicine, life expectancy rates and better lifestyle. However, comparison between 2007 and 2017 shows a similar pattern. Australia’s CVD death rate continued to drop as the country grew in economic prosperity.

Similarly, it was found that CVD deaths and economic prosperity were inversely proportional in other Asian countries, such as Pakistan, Laos, Philippines and Indonesia as well. The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterates the fact that the poorest people in low- and middle-income countries are affected the most by CVDs. The condition places a heavy economic burden on low- and middle-income countries.

Other underlying causes

We cannot overlook the socio-economic fabric, culture, traditional foods, and historic determinants of Asia’s healthcare. Harvard University’s The Obesity Prevention Source states that Asians have a higher tendency to put on weight and increase in weight over time was more harmful in Asians than in the other ethnic groups.

When compared to white Europeans of the same Body Mass Index (BMI), the report notes, Asians have three to five per cent higher total body fat. Asian’s have a tendency to store fat and are more prone to developing abdominal obesity, a high-risk factor for type 2 diabetes and CVDs.

According to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Asia’s recent economic development is another factor that makes the situation unique. Under-nutrition early in life may predispose children to weight gain and NCDs such as diabetes and heart disease later in life, states the report.

That apart, Asian countries also have a high percentage of unregulated street food as compared to the West. Not to forget, the fried-food-eating culture that puts Asians at a higher risk. Public health experts argue that besides unhealthy fats, high sugar, and refined grains, poor quality foods or adulterated foods are also among the major culprits.

Poor diets, increasingly sedentary lifestyle and technological dependence are making the situation worse for the current generation. According to the WHO, high tobacco consumption is also a key reason behind the rise in CVD deaths in Asia.

Asia needs a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the CVD challenge.