SEAHEARTS: Accelerating prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases in the South-East Asia Region

Overview

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the WHO South-East (SE) Asia Region. Global Health Estimates of 2021 indicated that these contributed to 4.3 million deaths, which constitute one third (32%) of all deaths in the Region. Nearly half (44.7%) of CVD deaths are premature in the age group of 30–70 years (1). Main risk factors for CVD include modifiable lifestyle factors – tobacco use, unhealthy diets including high dietary salt intake, trans-fatty acids, lack of physical activity and alcohol consumption. Raised blood pressure and blood glucose levels are key metabolic risk factors contributing to mortality due to CVD in the Region.