World Heart Podcast

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Professor David Wood

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Pioneer, University of Galway & Imperial College London

In this episode of the World Heart Podcast, host Pablo Patel, Senior Science Advisor at the World Heart Federation, welcomes Professor David Wood, a global leader in cardiovascular disease prevention. Their conversation dives into the InterAspire Study, the latest initiative of the World Heart Observatory, which provides critical insights into how cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention is practiced worldwide.

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Key Takeaways from the InterAspire Study:

A Global Study on Secondary Prevention

The InterAspire Study expands on previous EuroAspire surveys, providing a global perspective on CVD prevention. Conducted across 14 countries—one from each WHO region—this study evaluates how well patients with coronary artery disease are managed according to international guidelines.

Link to the paper:  https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/39/4184/7742405

The Gaps in Cardiac Rehabilitation

A key and alarming finding was that only 27% of heart disease patients were referred to cardiac rehabilitation, and less than 10% actually attended. This highlights the urgent need for improved rehabilitation services worldwide to prevent recurrent heart disease and improve survival rates.

Poor Achievement of Preventive Targets

The study introduced the InterAspire Guideline Target Score, measuring lifestyle habits, risk factor management, and prescription adherence. Shockingly, only 1% of patients achieved a perfect score, and 25% had a score of five or lower, indicating critical gaps in secondary prevention strategies.

Diabetes and Heart Disease – A Strong Connection

The study found that three-quarters of patients with coronary artery disease had undiagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, reinforcing the need for better screening and preventive interventions.

Cardiovascular Prevention: A Call to Action

Professor Wood emphasizes the need for policymakers and healthcare providers to implement evidence-based preventive care. The findings of the study will be used for global advocacy efforts through the World Heart Federation’s Global Heart Observatory and National Cardiovascular Societies to push for systemic change in cardiovascular care.

Strengthening Global Cardiovascular Research

Professor Wood underscores the importance of translating scientific knowledge into real-world practice, adapting prevention strategies to different healthcare systems, and prioritizing implementation research to drive effective policy changes worldwide.

Stay Informed and Take Action

For more details, read the full InterAspire study and explore the World Heart Federation’s resources on CVD prevention at the Global Heart Observatory.

Details on the INTERASPIRE study on World Heart Observatory website: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-observatory/multi-national-studies/

Together, we can bridge the gap between knowledge and practice to create a healthier world!