Cardiovascular Disease: A comprehensive review of epidemiology, risk factors, and advances in management

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of global mortality, accounting for nearly 18 million deaths annually, as per the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023). In the United States, CVD remains the leading cause of death, with 931,578 deaths attributed to it in 2021 (American Heart Association, 2023). The age-adjusted death rate from cardiovascular disease increased to 233.3 per 100,000, up 4.0% from 224.4 per 100,000 reported last year (American Heart Association Newsroom, 2024). Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, responsible for 371,506 deaths in 2022 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Additionally, approximately 6.7 million Americans over the age of 20 are living with heart failure (Heart Failure Society of America, 2024).Encompassing a range of disorders involving the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease, CVD has seen its burden grow, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to rapid urbanization and limited healthcare resources (Yusuf et al., 2021). Despite significant advances in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, global challenges such as healthcare inequities, aging populations, and emerging risk factors persist. This review explores multifaceted epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic innovations, treatment advancements, and prevention strategies related to CVD. Furthermore, it highlights actionable recommendations for addressing healthcare disparities and leveraging emerging technologies to reduce the global impact of CVD.