Background: Cardiovascular Disease as a Global Health Challenge
Despite major advances in prevention and treatment strategies, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. Around 58% of cardiovascular-related deaths occur in Asia, mainly due to ischemic heart disease and stroke. Global projections also indicate that mortality from cardiovascular disease in Asia could increase by more than 90% by 2050. This rise is influenced by several risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and unhealthy lifestyles. In Indonesia, non-communicable diseases account for approximately 71% of all deaths, with cardiovascular diseases being among the leading causes. However, detailed epidemiological data at hospital and regional levels remain limited. Therefore, hospital-based research plays an important role in providing real-world insights into disease patterns in specific areas.
Research Method
This study used a descriptive research design with a cross-sectional approach. The research data were obtained from medical records of patients visiting the cardiology outpatient clinic at Rantau Prapat Regional Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Initially, 11,941 patient records were identified in the hospital’s electronic medical record system. After data screening and cleaning, 2,116 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.
The variables analyzed in the study
included:
- Patient age
- Sex
- Diagnosis of heart disease
The sampling technique used was consecutive
sampling, while data analysis was conducted using univariate analysis
to describe the frequency distribution of patient characteristics and types of
heart disease.
Discussion: The Role of Lifestyle and Risk Factors
The study’s findings are consistent with international research showing that cardiovascular disease is strongly influenced by modifiable risk factors. Hypertension is considered the largest contributor to cardiovascular disease, followed by high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. The study also highlights the possible influence of lifestyle factors, dietary patterns, and social habits in increasing the risk of heart disease within communities. In addition, rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles among younger populations may contribute to earlier onset of cardiovascular disease.
Implications for Public Health
The findings provide an important foundation for strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention strategies in Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra.
Several priority actions include:
- Improving hypertension screening and control
- Promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent obesity
- Strengthening early detection of heart disease
- Improving management of patients with metabolic risk factors
Hospital-based research such as this study can also help policymakers and healthcare professionals better understand disease patterns in specific regions.
Author Profiles
Kartika Kaban and Farida Hanum Margolang are researchers from the Cardiology Department of Rantau Prapat Regional Hospital, specializing in heart disease and cardiovascular clinical management.
Husnah and Sakdiah are academics from Universitas Syiah Kuala whose research focuses on public health and cardiovascular epidemiology.
Research Source
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