Together with Dr. Kafui Adjaye-Gbewonyo and Prof Andre-Pascal Kengne, I am the guest editor of a special article collection in the International Journal of General Medicine.
The global epidemic of cardiometabolic disease: Risks, trends, explanations, and implications
Cardiometabolic diseases encompass a range of interrelated cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. They are some of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide and their burden is growing rapidly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These conditions often cluster together and share common risk factors and much emphasis has been placed on modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diets, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity. However, cardiometabolic conditions can also be influenced by genetic factors, psychosocial stressors and environmental exposures and there may also be interactions with infectious diseases. Furthermore, many of the risk factors for cardiometabolic conditions are in turn shaped by the social structures in which we live.
To effectively manage and prevent these conditions, it is important to understand the factors that have been driving trends in cardiometabolic risk in populations over time. Examining how cardiometabolic trends are changing over time and across space is necessary for allocating resources to treat these conditions. Moreover, understanding what factors may be accounting for cardiometabolic trends, as well as the relative contributions of these potential causes helps to direct prevention efforts to address the causes of greatest importance. Further research is also needed on the role of non-traditional risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases, such as psychosocial, infectious and environmental exposures. Efforts must also be made to collect and identify adequate data sources; accurately quantify and measure cardiometabolic risk, outcomes and sequelae; and evaluate different methods and measures for their effectiveness. Furthermore, although cardiometabolic diseases are a global epidemic, their distribution, trends and implications will differ in different settings. Therefore, context-specific research is needed.
To this end, this article collection invites contributions examining trends in cardiometabolic conditions and risk factors; predictors, correlates and determinants; methodological issues in the measurement of cardiometabolic risk; comorbidities between cardiometabolic disease and other conditions; as well as economic, social and health workforce implications. The article collection welcomes original research and reviews. Contributions from around the world are welcome.
The special article collection is hosted by the International Journal of General Medicine and submissions are open at: Thematic Series.
Some reduction in the article processing charges of the journal are available for submission in this collection.
Please, contact Kafui Adjaye-Gbewonyo or Annibale Cois for further information.