Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a leading global cause of mortality, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths worldwide, with over 17 million annual fatalities. This public health crisis poses significant socio-economic challenges, including in nations like the Republic of Uzbekistan, where CVD is a primary cause of death and disability. The historical prevalence of CVD has risen dramatically from the early 20th century, a trend attributed to industrialization, urbanization, lifestyle changes, increased psycho-emotional stress, and improved diagnostic capabilities. These conditions now rank second in general morbidity and first in mortality rates, with a notable increase among the 40-50-year-old population. CVD encompasses a range of disorders including coronary heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease. Risk factors are categorized into non-modifiable (e.g., age, gender) and modifiable (e.g., tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet). Global statistical analyses indicate high mortality rates in regions like Eastern Europe and Central Asia, though the overall decline in CVD mortality has slowed in recent years. The economic burden of CVD is substantial, affecting healthcare systems and national economies through lost productivity and high treatment costs. Effective prevention requires a multi-faceted approach involving primary prevention (targeting risk factors) and secondary prevention (managing established disease). Key public health strategies include implementing national programs for healthy nutrition, promoting physical activity, restricting tobacco and alcohol use, and enhancing medical literacy. In Uzbekistan, recent reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles exemplify such preventative efforts. Ultimately, combating the CVD epidemic necessitates coordinated action across government policy, healthcare systems, and all sectors of society.

Cardiovascular Diseases, Public Health, Mortality, Risk Factors, Prevention, Uzbekistan, Global Burden, Non-communicable Diseases