Addressing Cardiovascular Diseases Challenges in South Korea: Strategies to Improve Outcomes
Hyun‐Jae Kang, Jumee Wang, Eun Joo Cho, Hack‐Lyoung Kim, Chan Joo Lee, Jae Hyoung Park, Jeehoon Kang, Jon Suh, Ki Hong Choi, Seung‐Yul Lee, Jong‐Il Choi, Il‐Young Oh, Ungjeong Do, Seung‐Young Roh, Sang‐Ho Jo, Jin Wi, Dae‐Hwan Bae, Mi‐Hyang Jung, Chan Seok Park, Chi Young Shim, Min-Kyung Kang, Mi‐Na Kim, Jang‐Whan Bae
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant public health challenge in South Korea. This paper attempts to assess the current status of major cardiovascular risk factors and representative CVDs, and proposes policies and strategies to improve CVDs outcomes. It addresses key issues related to hypertension, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, sudden cardiac death, heart failure and valvular heart disease. The high-priority strategies for improving CVDs outcomes include raising public awareness, emphasizing prevention, ensuring equitable access to care, increasing investment in CVDs research, enhancing healthcare provider education, and incentivizing care for high-risk patients care. To implement those strategies, this paper proposes policies for both government and academic societies.