Computer Science editorial
Open AccessOA2025
Cardiovascular Disease Management and Prevention in Saudi Arabia: Strategies, Risk Factors, and Targeted Interventions
This review examines the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key risk factors, pharmacological treatments, and prevention strategies. It emphasizes the need for tailored public health interventions and discusses healthcare reforms under Vision 2030.
A. Alsaidan· International journal of clinical practice· 2025· DOI 10.1155/ijcp/7233591
The core problem
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality and a major contributor to morbidity worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems. CVDs encompass coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, and stroke. Common risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of CVDs has escalated due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, necessitating tailored public health strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current cardiovascular health landscape in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of local context in addressing CVDs. It covers the epidemiology of CVDs, major risk factors, pharmacological approaches, prevention methods, and healthcare system challenges, particularly within the primary healthcare setting. The review also discusses Saudi Arabia's healthcare reforms under the Universal Health Coverage initiative within Vision 2030.
Innovation
The authors conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia. They synthesized data from epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and public health reports to outline the prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies for CVDs. The review also examined the impact of public health initiatives, lifestyle programs, patient education, healthcare policies, government initiatives, insurance coverage, and international collaborations. The methodology involved a systematic search and analysis of peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and international databases, focusing on studies conducted within the Saudi context. The authors also evaluated the barriers and challenges within the Saudi healthcare system, particularly in primary care settings, and assessed the progress of healthcare reforms under Vision 2030.
Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality and a major contributor to morbidity worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems. CVDs encompass coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, and stroke. Common risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of CVDs has escalated due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, necessitating tailored public health strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current cardiovascular health landscape in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of local context in addressing CVDs. It covers the epidemiology of CVDs, major risk factors, pharmacological approaches, prevention methods, and healthcare system challenges, particularly within the primary healthcare setting. The review also discusses Saudi Arabia's healthcare reforms under the Universal Health Coverage initiative within Vision 2030.
Why it matters
The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the growing burden of CVDs in Saudi Arabia. The high prevalence of risk factors necessitates a multi-faceted approach combining pharmacological treatments with lifestyle modifications and public health policies. The review emphasizes the importance of primary healthcare in early detection and management of CVDs. Barriers such as inadequate resources and lack of patient awareness must be addressed through education and policy reforms. The Vision 2030 healthcare reforms, including the Universal Health Coverage initiative, present a significant opportunity to improve cardiovascular health. International collaborations can facilitate knowledge exchange and adoption of best practices. However, successful implementation requires sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, workforce training, and public health campaigns. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and identifying culturally appropriate strategies to reduce CVD burden in Saudi Arabia.
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