The landscape of cardiovascular health is rapidly changing, and with it, the needs of patients are evolving. Healthcare leaders must take specific actions to support positive outcomes in this area. By understanding the complexities of modern cardiovascular health, significant improvements have been made in recent years. The age-standardized death rate from CVD in the United States has decreased from over 500 in 1950 to just over 130 in 2021. However, challenges remain as CVD is expected to become more serious and widespread in the future, particularly in low and middle-income countries, where 80% of cardiovascular deaths occur.
One of the key factors contributing to this trend is social determinants of health. These include factors such as low socioeconomic status, limited educational and economic opportunities, lack of support from peers for healthier lifestyle choices, and increased psychosocial stressors. Addressing these factors will be crucial in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the future.
To meet patients where they are, healthcare leaders must also enable clinicians to integrate personalized approaches that tailor interventions and treatment plans to individual patients’ unique needs and circumstances. Technology can assist clinicians by identifying CVD risks early on and providing information on population health trends that can inform treatment decisions. Health system leaders must prioritize technology investments that support proactive cardiac care while also ensuring patient privacy and data security are protected.
Organizations that show compassion towards patients will play a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes in the future of cardiovascular health. As new risk factors emerge, healthcare administrators must take action to address them proactively while also addressing social determinants of health that contribute to their prevalence.
In conclusion, the future of cardiovascular health requires a collaborative effort between healthcare administrators and clinicians who understand population health trends and utilize technology to identify CVD risks early on. By integrating personalized approaches that address individual patient needs while also addressing social determinants of health, we can achieve better outcomes for all patients with CVD.