A Review on Cardiovascular Diseases: Advances and Challenges in Prevention and Treatment

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, accounting for 17.9 million deaths annually. This review synthesizes current knowledge on CVD epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pharmacological interventions, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The global burden of CVD has risen, with 20.5 million cases reported in 2021, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Modifiable risk factors, including smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and psychosocial stress, drive the majority of cases, while non-modifiable factors like age and genetics also play significant roles. Advances in antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, such as dual antiplatelet therapy and direct oral anticoagulants, have improved outcomes, but challenges persist, including bleeding risks and access disparities. Drug utilization reviews enhance treatment safety and efficacy, yet ADRs, ranging from dose-related bleeding to idiosyncratic reactions, complicate management. This paper highlights progress in CVD prevention and treatment, identifies gaps in equitable healthcare delivery, and underscores the need for personalized approaches and public health interventions to address this global epidemic.