The incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes has risen significantly. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korea’s aging population continues to grow, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes has risen significantly.
According to data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on Sunday, these conditions claim the lives of a significant portion of patients within a year of diagnosis.
In 2022, there were 34,969 cases of heart attacks and 110,574 cases of strokes reported nationwide. The respective incidence rates were 68.2 and 215.7 cases per 100,000 people. Over the past decade, heart attack cases surged by 48.7%, while stroke cases increased by 9.8%.
However, the age-standardized stroke incidence rate dropped by 25%, reflecting improvements in early prevention and care.
Higher Incidence Among Elderly Men
The data revealed that elderly individuals are disproportionately affected. Among those aged 80 and older, the incidence of heart attacks reached 327.5 per 100,000, while strokes were reported at 1,515.7 per 100,000.
Men were more likely than women to suffer from these diseases, with men experiencing heart attacks at nearly three times the rate of women and strokes at a 30% higher rate.
Concerning Mortality Rates
Mortality rates for these conditions remain a critical issue. The 30-day fatality rate stood at 9.0% for heart attacks and 8.2% for strokes, but one-year fatality rates were significantly higher—15.8% for heart attacks and 20.1% for strokes.
This translates to approximately one in six heart attack patients and one in five stroke patients succumbing to the disease within a year. Among those aged 80 and above, the one-year fatality rate was alarmingly high, reaching 36.8% for heart attacks and 36.0% for strokes.
Regional Disparities
Certain regions exhibited higher incidence rates. For heart attacks, Jeollanam-do, Gwangju, and Busan topped the list, while for strokes, Jeollabuk-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do recorded the highest rates.
Call for Better Emergency Care
The KDCA emphasized the importance of swift diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates. “Heart attacks and strokes are critical conditions where delays in medical care can prove fatal,” the agency stated.
Strengthening emergency medical services and establishing regional care networks for severe cardiovascular cases were highlighted as essential steps to address this growing public health challenge.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
