Prevalence of cardiovascular disease among Bangladeshi adult population: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies

Abstract

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of conditions affecting the functioning of the heart or blood vessels and is one of the leading causes of death globally. Like other countries, CVD prevalence is also rising among the adults in Bangladesh. Epidemiological studies have shown not only a high CVD prevalence but also a significant increase in its prevalence in Bangladesh in the last few decades. To have a better understanding of the current CVD prevalence scenario, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of CVD among the Bangladeshi adult population using evidence from the published scientific literature.MethodsElectronic databases such as MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed were searched. We also manually checked the references of all relevant publications that describe the prevalence of CVD in Bangladeshi adults. To pool the CVD prevalence, we used random-effects meta-analysis. We assessed heterogeneity using both the formal tests and the subgroup analyses. We also assessed study quality and examined publication bias.ResultsWe retrieved 755 potentially relevant papers through searches of electronic and gray literature, of which only 13 met inclusion criteria after the screening and were included in this review. Of the studies that met inclusion criteria, three were carried out in rural populations, five in both urban and rural populations and two in strictly urban populations. Male and female participation in the studies was almost equal. The weighted pooled prevalence of CVD was 5.0%, regardless of the types of CVD, gender and geographical location of the study participants. There was also a high heterogeneity in the observed CVD prevalence. Weighted pooled prevalence of overall CVD in the Bangladeshi population was higher in urban areas (8%) compared to rural areas (2%). However, no such difference was observed in terms of gender (3% for both males and females). The highest reported prevalence (21%) was for heart disease, while the lowest reported prevalence (1%) was for stroke. Sources of heterogeneity were often unexplained. The criteria used to assess study quality were fulfilled by only a few studies, and adequate sample size criteria was missed by almost all of them. In addition, there was evidence of small-study effects.ConclusionA high CVD prevalence along with an upward trend was observed in Bangladeshi adults. Proper strategies are required for primary prevention of CVD so that a further increase can be alleviated and the morbidity and mortality associated with it can be reduced.

Hypertension prevalence and its trend in Bangladesh: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The factors behind the increased prevalence of hypertension in the Bangladeshi adult population could be multifarious [13]. In addition to the common risk factors for hypertension such as a high salt intake, being obese, the excessive use of alcohol, physical inactivity, stress, air pollution and smoking [77], other factors including a regional change in disease patterns from communicable to noncommunicable diseases, rapid urbanization, and obsession for embracing western lifestyle could also influence high hypertension prevalence [13,14,78,79]. Fast-Growing unplanned urbanization as seen in developing countries can potentially lead to change in lifestyles (e.g., change in physical activity, diet, environment, and stress) [13].…”

“…Fast-Growing unplanned urbanization as seen in developing countries can potentially lead to change in lifestyles (e.g., change in physical activity, diet, environment, and stress) [13]. In developing countries like Bangladesh, lifestyle, environment, and dietary patterns are quite different in urban and rural areas [14]. These factors are closely linked with a higher prevalence of hypertension and are evident in our study where a higher pooled prevalence of hypertension observed among the urban population (25% compared to 15% in the rural population).…”

“…Bangladesh currently lacks a population-based surveillance system to track the burden of any noncommunicable chronic disease including hypertension [13,14]. In addition, the absence of nationwide population-based surveys or central administrative health data restricts accurate information on the prevalence of diseases like hypertension [13,14]. Although a handful of studies on the prevalence of hypertension among the Bangladeshi population was conducted, their findings are not consistent.…”

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire as a tool for assessing dietary intake in cardiovascular disease research and surveillance in Bangladesh

“…Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke are now ranked as the top two causes of Years of Life Lost (YLL) in Bangladesh [5]. A recent systematic review of prevalence studies in Bangladesh reported the overall weighted pooled prevalence of CVD was 5%, regardless of gender, region or type of CVD [6]. The prevalence was found to be higher in urban areas (8% [95% CI: 3-14%]) compared to rural areas (2% [95% CI: 1-4%]) [6].…”

Factors Related to Delay in Seeking Medical Care Among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction in Dhaka

“…Likewise, other countries, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a progressive reason for increased mortality and services burden in Bangladesh, a developing country with about 160 million of the population as a country experiencing epidemiological transition (13)(14)(15)(16)(17). However, the precise prevalence and risk factors of CVD is yet to be identified (13).…”