The Rise in Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Chronic Diseases in Guyana: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Guyana experiences health challenges related to both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common non-communicable disease in Guyana. The main causes of the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases are modifiable risk factors (e.g. obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, unhealthy dietary patterns) and non-modifiable risk factors (e.g. age and genetics). Objective: The aim of this review is to understand CVD and risk factor data, in the context of ethnicity in Guyana. Methods: A review of the published literature as well as government and international health agency reports was conducted. All publications from 2002–2018 describing CVD and related risk factors in Guyana were screened and extracted. Findings: The population of Guyana is comprised of six ethnic groups, of which East Indian (39.8%) and African (29.3%) are the majority. CVD accounts for 526 deaths per 100,000 individuals per year. Among Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese, CVD is the primary cause of death affecting 32.6% and 22.7% of the populations, respectively. Within the Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese communities there is a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among individuals over the age of 50. There is a lack of available data describing ethnic disparities in CVD and related risk factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diet in Guyana. Conclusions: Important knowledge gaps remain in understanding the ethnic disparities of CVD and related risk factors in Guyana. Future research should focus on high risk populations and implement widespread screening and treatment strategies of common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol to curb the epidemic of CVD in Guyana.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes

“…For this reason, cardiovascular diseases are on the rise. In addition, these lifestyle changes increase exposure to other cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., diabetes, obesity, and hypertension) ( 29 ) . Despite public health policies to prevent and care for chronic conditions in Guyana, the widespread belief that chronic non-communicable diseases, like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are consequences inherent to the aging process hinders the prevention and management of these diseases ( 30 ) .…”

Risk Amplifiers for Vascular Disease and CKD in South Asians

“…There have also been reports of a higher prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people of South Asian ethnicity in Singapore, Fiji, and Guyana, although the number of studies has been fewer. [14][15][16][17][18] Elevated diabetes and cardiovascular risks in South Asians are derived from several nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors (Figure 1).…”

Exposure to Electronic Media, Smoking and Alcohol Drinking Among Guyanese Adults

“…During the last 10–15 years, the country has witnessed considerable progress in population health in terms of increased life expectancy, reduction in maternal and child mortality, greater access to healthcare services and availability of improved water and sanitation facilities ( 1 – 4 ). In parallel with these important achievements, the country is also experiencing a rapid rise in the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer ( 5 – 7 ). As such, the country is undergoing a major epidemiological transition from infectious to chronic diseases characterized by changes in lifestyle-related behaviors such as unhealthy dietary behavior and increased consumption and tobacco and alcoholic products.…”

“…As such, the country is undergoing a major epidemiological transition from infectious to chronic diseases characterized by changes in lifestyle-related behaviors such as unhealthy dietary behavior and increased consumption and tobacco and alcoholic products. In fact, Guyana has the highest rates of cardiovascular and ischemic heart disease-related deaths compared to other countries in the Americas, and also experienced a 32% rise in the prevalence of hypertension between 2007 and 2017 ( 5 ). Studies have shown that both alcohol and tobacco are major risk factors for NCDs ( 8 – 11 ).…”

“…Studies have shown that both alcohol and tobacco are major risk factors for NCDs ( 8 – 11 ). For instance, tobacco and alcohol use is a risk factor for stroke with a population attributable risk (PAR) of 12.4 and 5.8%, respectively ( 5 , 12 ). Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study ranks tobacco and alcohol consumption as the leading risk factors for global disease burden ( 13 ).…”