NCD Watch

Protecting Cardiovascular Health: Don’t Miss a Beat

9 September 2025 (Tue)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) refer to a broad spectrum of disorders related to the heart and blood vessels, such as ischaemic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. CVD can be caused by a combination of behavioural, metabolic, environmental and socio-economic risk factors. Globally, high blood pressure is the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, followed by unhealthy eating that includes over-consumption of salt, processed meat, red meat, trans-fatty acids, and sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as under-consumption of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.

According to the Thematic Household Surveys conducted by the Census and Statistics Department, prevalence of heart disease as told by practitioners of Western medicine among community-dwelling persons increased from 2.0% in 2009-10 to 2.4% in 2022-23, while the corresponding prevalence of stroke increased from 0.6% to 0.8%. Regarding mortality, CVD are one of the top killers. In 2024, there were over 10 000 registered deaths attributed to CVD. Among them, heart diseases and stroke ranked as the third and the fourth commonest cause of deaths with 6 591 and 2 911 registered deaths (provisional figures), respectively.

In Hong Kong, progress has been made in reducing CVD mortality rate and risk levels among the local population. After adjusting the age factor, the age-standardised death rate of CVD declined by more than half over the last twenty years. Population health surveys showed that the age-standardised prevalence of high CVD risk among community-dwelling persons aged 40–74 dropped from 19.8% in 2014-15 to 14.7% in 2020-22.

Adopting and adhering to a healthy lifestyle from young age can reduce the risk of CVD. Key actions include eating a balanced diet, being physically active, avoiding smoking, refraining from alcohol drinking, and maintaining an optimal body weight and waist circumference. Follow doctor’s advice to check blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids as well as strive to keep the levels in the optimal ranges.

To improve cardiovascular health among the local population, more cross-sector collaborations and full co-operation from the public are required. The Department of Health will continue to work in close partnership with relevant government bureaux and departments as well as community partners to foster a healthier Hong Kong, empowering local people to make heart-healthy choices and live in good health.

Source: NCD Watch September 2025