Cardiovascular health
The problem is particularly acute in low- and middle- income countries, where the need for initiatives addressing cardiovascular health has been identified as a global health priority. Underserved communities such as these typically have low budgets for health screening and treatment, as well as prevention, making accessing information and care more difficult.
The George Institute aims to combat this. Our Cardiovascular Program is investigating new strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases and initiating changes in clinical practice and government policy to reverse the impact of these killer diseases.
STATISTICS ON CARDIOVASCULAR disease
- #1
cause of death and disability in the world
- 35%
of deaths in women globally ARE due to CVD
- 80%
CVD deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes
- 33%
CVD deaths are premature (in those aged under 70)
Improving cardiovascular health awareness, research, and quality of care
Our research targets the primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, and smoking. We are also focusing on sex specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertensive and metabolic disorders of pregnancy. As major cardiometabolic risk factors and conditions significantly impact morbidity and mortality, addressing them can have a positive impact on individuals and populations across the globe. Beyond prevention, we are testing novel therapies to treat cardiovascular, and more broadly, cardio-kidney-metabolic disease. This includes the development of affordable polypills to improve adherence to CVD medications, clinical outcomes, and quality of life for patients.
We have multiple projects underway in various countries across the globe focused on generating strong evidence that can effect real change in practice and policy. The George Institute Cardiovascular Health Consumer Panel provides valuable input into our projects from the perspectives of those with lived experiences of cardiovascular disease.
