Analysis of mortality trends due to cardiovascular diseases in Panama, 2001–2014

Abstract

ObjectiveCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still the leading cause of death worldwide despite the recent decline in mortality rates attributable to CVD in Western Europe and the Americas. The aim of this study is to investigate mortality trends due to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke in Panama from 2001 to 2014, as well as the mortality differences by sex and age groups.MethodsData were obtained from the National Mortality Register. The International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes (ICD-10) I20–I25 and I60–I69 were used for IHD and stroke, respectively. Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated using the world population of the WHO as standard. Trends were analysed using Joinpoint Regression Program and annual percentage changes (APC) were estimated.ResultsFrom 2010, the IHD mortality trend began to decline in the whole population of Panama (APC −4.7%, p<0.05). From 2001 to 2014, a decline in the trend for IHD mortality was observed (APC −1.7%, p<0.05) in women, but not in men. Stroke mortality showed a significant annual decline during the study period (APC −3.8%, p<0.05) and it was more pronounced in women (APC −4.5%, p<0.05) than in men (APC −3.3%, p<0.05).ConclusionsIn Panama, the mortality rates from IHD and stroke have declined in recent years. Better access to healthcare, improved treatment of acute IHD and stroke, low tobacco consumption and better control of hypertension probably account for a significant part of this mortality reduction.

Cancer Mortality Rates Increasing vs Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Decreasing in the World: Future Implications

“…In addition, these differences have been largely theorized to be due to stage of epidemiologic transition of the countries ( Figure 4 ). 9 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 Epidemiologic transition is the process by which countries “advance” through stages on the basis of the types of diseases most affecting their population. 22 , 23 The transition is broken down into 4 stages: pestilence and famine, receding pandemics, degenerative and man-made diseases, and delayed degenerative diseases.…”

“… 24 This observation should be interpreted with caution as cardiovascular disease has been the focus of research and funding for a longer period than cancer has, and through preventive and life-prolonging interventions created during the last 20 years, we have seen a decline in age-standardized cardiovascular disease–related deaths. 8 , 9 , 10 , 24 , 25 , 26 A study by Carrión Donderis et al 24 in 2016 in Panama, a high-income country, found similar results of reduced cardiovascular disease mortality due to improved treatment, lower tobacco consumption, and reduction of comorbidities. Within cancer research, there have been notably fewer curative developments for the most advanced cancers and the cancer types that contribute the most to mortality.…”

“…This observation must be explained with care as during the last 15 years, lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income countries have been transitioning through the epidemiology stages from pestilence and famine and receding pandemics to degenerative and man-made diseases and delayed degenerative diseases. 10 , 24 , 28 As part of this transition, we expect a rise in cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality rates in lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income countries. 10 , 24 , 25 , 28 In addition, there is a difference in research and funding for cardiovascular disease in these countries compared with high-income countries.…”

Social determinants and cardiovascular disease mortality in Panama, 2012–2016

“…Our results suggest that there was a decrease in mortality rates in IHD and stroke during the study period. Similarly, a recent study reported a decline in the trend of stroke mortality from 2001 to 2014 and a decrease in IHD mortality that started in 2010 [10]. Whether the decrease in trends occurred similarly in provinces and regions is less clear.…”

“…According to the latest estimates, indigenous peoples represent 12% of the total population in the country [9]. CVD mortality trends have declined in recent years [10], yet CVD is still the leading cause of death, responsible for 28% of national mortality [11].…”