Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among the population of the Arctic region of Russia

Relevance . Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most significant contributor to the global disease burden. CVDs are still the top leader in the nosology of death causes among the population of most countries and globally. Specific climate and geographical conditions in the Russian Arctic are responsible for high CVD risks; poor transport accessibility of some northern territories lead to restricted availability of sophisticated medical care to patients. The objective of the study is to characterize the epidemiology and dynamics of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among the population of the Komi Republic (KR) throughout 2009 to 2022. Methods . For 2009 through 2022, an epidemiological analytical study (ecological study) was carried out regarding cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among the KR population (in the North-West Russia) using federal statistical observation formats; statistical data were recruited from the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Unified Interdepartmental Information Statistical System (EMISS). Statistical analysis included calculation of mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) and incidence-to-prevalence ratio. Results and discussion . For 2009 through 2022, the average annual CVD incidence rate among the KR population stood at (23.1 ± 0.5) ‰, with (277.3 ± 5.9) ‰ prevalence rate. A significant increase (from 21.0 to 29.3 %) in the proportion of coronary heart diseases (CHDs) in the nosology of primary morbidities was noted. The incidence-to-prevalence ratio showed multidirectional dynamics, with positive (growth rate in 2009–2022: +64.5 %) values for arterial hypertension (AH) vs. negative (growth rates: +31.8 and +23.7 %) values for CHDs and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs). The cardiovascular mortality rate in 2003–2017 decreased by 29.1 %showing an upward trend since 2018. MIR for CHDs, AH and CCVDs decreased by 33.4, 52.9 and 23.7 % respectively. Conclusion . CVDs remain the main cause of the disease burden in the KR population. The registered trends in morbidity and mortality rates due to major CVDs shows efficient performance of regional cardiology care.