Cardiovascular disease burden in Vietnam: A review of epidemiological trends, risk factors, and public health implications

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide and has become a major public health challenge in Vietnam. Over the past three decades, rapid urbanization, economic transition, population aging, and lifestyle changes have significantly altered the epidemiological profile of cardiovascular diseases in the country. This review examines the burden, epidemiological trends, major risk factors, and public health implications of cardiovascular disease in Vietnam.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies published between 2000 and 2025 addressing cardiovascular disease epidemiology, mortality, risk factors, healthcare burden, and prevention strategies in Vietnam were included. National reports from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, and Global Burden of Disease databases were also reviewed.
Results: The findings indicate that cardiovascular diseases account for approximately one-third of total mortality in Vietnam, with hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and stroke being the most prevalent conditions. Major contributing factors include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary transitions. Rural–urban disparities and healthcare accessibility inequalities remain significant challenges.
Conclusions: Cardiovascular disease represents a growing healthcare burden in Vietnam, requiring comprehensive prevention strategies, strengthened primary healthcare systems, and improved community-based cardiovascular risk management.