APAC Heart Summit opens with call for action on cardiovascular disease, health equity

BANGKOK -- By Kim Ji-hye/Korea Biomedical Review correspondent -- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for nearly two-thirds of preventable premature deaths. Yet, as Nallamalla Krishna Reddy, CEO of ACCESS Health International India and a representative of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Cardiovascular Disease Alliance, asks, “Why settle for preventing just one-third of these deaths?”

At the inaugural Asia-Pacific Heart Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, Reddy framed the challenge ahead: the economic future of the region hinges on addressing this crisis.

The summit gathered over 100 delegates from across the region, with Korea Biomedical Review in attendance to witness the urgent call for enhanced public and policy awareness regarding CVD, the leading cause of death in the region.

Co-hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, the National Health Security Office, and the APAC Cardiovascular Disease Alliance, the event runs from Friday through Sunday, spotlighting the reality that CVD claims 19 lives every minute, totaling over 10 million deaths annually in the region.

“Reducing these deaths is crucial for boosting productivity and economic growth,” Reddy said in his opening remarks. “APAC's aspirations depend on improving health and well-being, unlocking its full economic potential.” With CVD’s direct healthcare costs exceeding $177 billion annually, vulnerable communities—particularly those in rural areas—bear the brunt of this burden.

CVD, particularly stroke and ischemic heart disease, leads to the highest number of CVD-related deaths in Thailand, where it stands as the second leading cause of death, costing the economy approximately 652 million baht ($19.7 million)—3.9 percent of the nation’s GDP.

An economic analysis suggests that a straightforward treatment protocol could yield returns of 18 times the initial investment to the APAC region, which is home to 60 percent of the world’s population. 

“Given CVD’s status as the leading cause of death and disability, the pressure on healthcare resources is immense, calling for urgent reform,” warned Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, director of program management at the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia regional office. “The cost of inaction is far too high, draining resources that should be allocated for future needs.” He urged a systemic overhaul to integrate effective treatments into primary healthcare, ensuring accessibility for all.

Lower- and middle-income countries in the region face additional hurdles, including inadequate medical infrastructure, a shortage of specialists, and limited access to quality care in rural areas. 

The APAC Heart Summit represents a collective effort to confront CVD—not just as a health issue but as an economic and social challenge.

“If our healthcare system continues to falter in addressing this leading cause of death, we must ask ourselves: what’s fundamentally wrong?” Thamarangsi said. “We need a thorough reassessment of our healthcare framework. While new medications and training can contribute incrementally, they’re not enough on their own.”

The current approach to health awareness, according to the experts at the summit, is struggling, affected by social determinants that complicate outcomes. In one member state, a proliferation of guidelines from various agencies has created confusion among practitioners, highlighting the urgent need for streamlined protocols. Efforts to harmonize these guidelines have frequently stalled, leading to increased complexity instead of clarity.

“What we need is not merely superficial change but a complete makeover of our health system,” Thamarangsi said. “We must ensure that individuals understand their health risks and have access to quality care at the primary level without financial obstacles.” This entails redesigning service delivery to tackle key issues, such as fragmented care and the challenge of providing quality treatment to many rather than optimal care to a few.

Building on this foundation, Taweesin Visanuyothin, director general of the department of medical services at Thailand's Ministry of Public Health, laid out a comprehensive strategy: “First and foremost, we need to elevate public awareness around non-communicable diseases and CVD,” he said, emphasizing the importance of educating communities on risks and prevention. “Next, we must expand screening efforts to include thorough CVD risk assessments, particularly in underserved areas.”

Panthep Khananuraksa from the National Health Security Office reinforced this commitment to transformative change. “Despite the heavy toll CVD takes on lives, a significant gap remains in public understanding and policy focus,” he noted. 

“Our commitment to combating CVD is grounded in the need to raise awareness,” Khananuraksa continued. “Collaboration among stakeholders, including the public and patient groups, is essential for building a system that effectively serves everyone.”

Reddy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that tackling CVD requires a multi-stakeholder approach. “Everyone has a role—from governments and civil society organizations to the private sector and healthcare industry across the region,” he said. “Our combined efforts in prevention, treatment, and policy will shape a future where cardiovascular health is prioritized and accessible to all.”