Declining cardiovascular mortality masks unpalatable inequalities

Heart. 2020 Jan;106(1):6-7. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2019-315708. Epub 2019 Oct 15.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease mortality is falling across Europe, and is falling in most social groups. The impact of these declines on inequalities in cardiovascular mortality is, however, unclear. We project current mortality declines into the future and make the case that, under different scenarios, the inequalities that will be seen in the future are in general worse than at present and, as such, unacceptable. We argue that population level policy interventions on risk factors stand the best chance of reducing inequalities.

Keywords: coronary artery disease; epidemiology; global health.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases*
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors