Seoul, South Korea – South Korea is grappling with a concerning rise in heart attacks and strokes, according to the latest data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The 2022 Heart and Cerebrovascular Disease Statistics revealed a troubling trend of increasing mortality rates, particularly among women and the elderly.

Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, showed a significant increase in 2022, with over 34,000 cases reported. Men were more likely to experience heart attacks, especially those aged 0 to 79. However, women aged 80 and above had higher incidence rates. Recurring heart attacks also showed an upward trend. Despite advancements in medical care, the mortality rate within the first year of a heart attack remained high, especially among women and older adults.

Stroke rates have also been on the rise, with over 110,000 cases reported in 2022. While the overall incidence rate has decreased over the past decade, mortality rates have seen a recent uptick. Women were more likely to die within a year of a stroke.

Key findings from the report include:

Aging population: The aging population is a significant contributing factor to the rising rates of heart attacks and strokes.
Regional disparities: Incidence rates varied across different regions of South Korea, with some areas showing higher rates than others.
Mortality rates: Despite improvements in medical care, mortality rates, especially among the elderly, remained high.
Gender differences: Men were more likely to experience heart attacks, while women were more likely to die from strokes.
The KDCA attributed the increasing rates to various factors, including lifestyle changes, an aging population, and underlying health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. The agency emphasized the need for continued efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, early detection, and timely treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage cardiovascular diseases in South Korea. This includes promoting healthy lifestyles, improving access to healthcare, and conducting further research to better understand the underlying causes of these conditions.