Review of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control Programs: International Experience and Challenges in China

Major cardiovascular risk factors in China, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, dietary factors, exposure to tobacco, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity, have contributed to deteriorating trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths. In past years, a number of CVD prevention programs have been initiated in European and American countries and successfully brought down CVD related death rate by involving various parties such as physicians, patients, government agencies and payers. However, there is rare published literature that systemically reviewed such experience, which would be highly valuable for China and other countries with high CVD burden. In this article, we review the published literature on CVD prevention and control programs and report on interviews of local and foreign experts to provide recommendations for China-specific CVD prevention and control programs. In order to provide practical suggestions, we describe the type of programs as patient, physician, pharmacist, nurse, or payer-focused. Based on this evidence and identified challenges in China, programs focusing on disease management, treatment adherence, physician/health care provider education, financial incentives, and integrated healthcare are recommended for the prevention and control of CVD in China