Elevated cardiovascular risk factors and chronic disease mortality in the Caribbean: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of premature mortality in the Caribbean, with particularly high rates from stroke and hypertensive heart disease. While global outcomes have improved, CVD-related mortality in the Caribbean remains elevated. This study examined sex-specific CVD mortality, risk factors, and health policy indicators across non-Latin Caribbean nations, using data from the 2019 PAHO Enlace Portal and comparing results to North America (United States and Canada). Despite North Americans exhibiting more overall risky CVD behaviors, CVD mortality was higher in the Non-Latin Caribbean compared to North America (196.7 vs. 122.6 deaths per 100,000). Total-to-HDL cholesterol ratios were significantly higher in the Caribbean, both in men (4.01 vs. 3.63; p < 0.0001) and women (3.82 vs. 3.01; p < 0.0001), indicating reduced cardioprotective effects of HDL. Hypertensive heart disease mortality was significantly higher in Caribbean women compared to North American women (p < .01), with a similar but non-significant trend in men. Caribbean men also had significantly higher rates of undiagnosed hypertension compared to North American men (47.6% vs. 20.8%; p < .001). NCD policy implementation across the Caribbean was inconsistent, with major gaps in CVD drug therapy access, alcohol advertising restrictions, NCD planning, and surveillance systems. These findings underscore the urgent need for regional investment in prevention, policy enforcement, and culturally relevant strategies to reduce CVD disparities and improve health outcomes in the Caribbean.