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World Heart Podcast

Episode 5: Data at the Heart: Mariachiara Di Cesare

 

Episode 5: Data at the Heart: Mariachiara Di Cesare

Release Date: 04 December 2023

Duration: 31:36

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Mariachiara Di Cesare

Professor in Population Studies and Global Health, Director of the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing at the University of Essex, and Scientific Advisor for the World Heart Observatory.

In this episode of the World Heart Podcast, Prof. Maria Chiara De Cesare, a leading expert in public and population health, discusses the transformative potential of real-time, globally connected data to address cardiovascular disease (CVD)—the world’s leading cause of death. As the Scientific Advisor for the World Heart Observatory, Prof. De Cesare shares insights into how this first-of-its-kind global data hub is revolutionizing the way we track, understand, and combat CVD.

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Key Takeaways

The World Heart Observatory: A Game-Changer for CVD Data

  • Launched at the World Heart Summit in May 2023, the Observatory serves as the first global data hub for cardiovascular conditions and risk factors.
  • It combines data from diverse sources to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on the global burden of CVD.
  • Supported by key partners, including the Novartis Foundation, the Global Burden of Disease initiative, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

The Global Burden of CVD: A Crisis in Numbers

  • In 2021, 20.5 million deaths were attributed to cardiovascular disease, making it the world’s leading cause of death.
  • If translated into aviation disasters, this would be equivalent to 160 planes crashing daily—a staggering loss of life.
  • Despite advancements in treatment, diagnosis, and prevention, aging populations and growing global health disparities contribute to an increasing burden on healthcare systems.

Disparities in CVD Mortality Across Regions

  • High-income countries have seen a rapid decline in CVD mortality, thanks to effective policies and healthcare access.
  • However, low-income regions are lagging behind, leading to a widening gap in health equity.
  • For example, only Latin America has reached the cardiovascular mortality rates that high-income countries had in 1990—other regions remain far behind.

The Role of the World Heart Report

  • The 2023 World Heart Report provided the first comprehensive analysis of CVD risk and mortality worldwide.
  • It highlights policy implementation gaps and provides data-driven insights for governments, clinicians, and public health experts.
  • It also identifies key modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity, showing trends across different populations.

Tackling Health Inequality and CVD Prevention

  • The inequitable distribution of healthcare resources is a major factor in global health disparities.
  • High out-of-pocket healthcare costs in low-income regions correlate with higher CVD mortality.
  • The Observatory’s goal is to close these gaps by providing accessible, evidence-based information for policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 World Heart Report

  • The next report, set for release at the 2024 World Heart Summit in May, will focus on air pollution and climate change as major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
  • It will explore the mechanisms, policies, and prevention strategies needed to mitigate these emerging threats to heart health.

Strengthening the Future of Cardiovascular Data

Prof. De Cesare envisions the World Heart Observatory as the go-to global platform for cardiovascular health data. By integrating real-world clinical insights with data science, the Observatory aims to shape more effective public health strategies and drive impactful policy changes.

A Call to Action: How Can You Help?

  • Healthcare Professionals: Use Observatory data to inform patient care and advocacy.
  • Policymakers & NGOs: Leverage the data to drive policy changes and resource allocation.
  • Researchers & Clinicians: Collaborate to enhance data collection and analysis.
  • General Public: Stay informed and advocate for better cardiovascular health policies.
  • © World Heart Federation 2025
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