Cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors in Cuba: prospects for prevention and control.
OBJECTIVE
An adequate description of the trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not available for most of the developing world. Cuba provides an important exception, and we sought to use available data to offer insights into the changing patterns of CVD there.


METHODS
We reviewed Cuban public health statistics, surveys, and reports of health services.


RESULTS
CVD has been the leading cause of death since 1970. A 45% reduction in heart disease deaths was observed from 1970 to 2002; the decline in stroke was more limited. There are moderate prevalences of all major risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The Cuban medical care system has responded vigorously to the challenge of CVD; levels of control of hypertension are the highest in the world. Nonindustrialized countries can decisively control CVD.
Cooper
Richard S
RS
Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maguire Center, 2160 S First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. rcooper@lumc.edu
Orduñez
Pedro
P
Iraola Ferrer
Marcos D
MD
Munoz
Jose Luis Bernal
JL
Espinosa-Brito
Alfredo
A
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D003462:Cuba / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors