Try GOLD - Free
Heart disease surge in South-east Asia makes it leading killer: Study
The Straits Times
|May 29, 2025
The number of people with cardiovascular disease surged by 148 per cent in South-east Asia over the past three decades, with the condition becoming the region's leading cause of mortality and morbidity, according to new research.
-
A total of 37 million people in the region suffered from cardiovascular disease in 2021 and 1.7 million died from it.
The findings by researchers at the Seattle-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IMHE) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) are based on analysis of health data between 1990 and 2021 from 10 South-east Asian countries that make up the Asean grouping.
The results, published this week in a special edition of The Lancet Public Health dedicated to the region, highlight the growing burden of public health, including cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, smoking and road injuries.
This story is from the May 29, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times

The Straits Times
Civic mindfulness, rather than enforcement, key to noise-free neighbourhoods
Noise pollution in residential estates is more than just an environmental nuisance - it reflects the level of civic-mindfulness we uphold as a community.
1 min
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Winchester should be all geared up to fire first win
Oct II South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
3 mins
October 10, 2025

The Straits Times
LAURIE ON TREASURE HUNT AGAIN
Treasurethe Moment looks to make amends for Feehan defeat in GI Might And Power
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
42 local brands recognised under new SG Heritage Business Scheme
Marketing and consultancy support will help them enhance visibility and sustain legacies
4 mins
October 10, 2025

The Straits Times
HK's record-breaking typhoon season spurs calls for more climate-ready action
Analysts say climate change causing more intense storms with greater impact on city
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Foreign interference, misinformation test Singapore's unity: Shanmugam
Republic has managed to keep ahead of such threats via active governance, he says
5 mins
October 10, 2025

The Straits Times
Israel, Hamas agree on first phase of Gaza deal; release of hostages likely within days
US President Donald Trump said on Oct 8 that Israel and Hamas had reached a long-sought deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release under his plan for ending the two-year-old war in the Palestinian enclave.
5 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
SELVAN HAS A FEW SMART SORTS WORTH FOLLOWING
Stablemates Diaz and Contarelli put up notable workouts ahead of their Oct I2 runs
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Integrated Shield Plans Insurers will ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare
We refer to the letter “Need for regulations that put patient care ahead of commercial decisions by insurers” (Sept 30).
2 mins
October 10, 2025

The Straits Times
Old is gold: Longstanding firms keen to tap scheme for wider reach and visibility
A colourful array of saris, kurtas, Punjabi suits and lehengas greets customers at Dakshaini Silks in the heart of Little India.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size