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Diseases

Heart Attack Prevalence Increases in Kharkiv Amidst Armed Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by a team from Kharkiv National Medical University has found a significant rise in hypertension and related cardiovascular complications, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke, among the adult population of Kharkiv during the armed conflict in 2022-2023. The study used data from the Information and Analytical Center for Medical Statistics, focusing on incidence rates of hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke among the population of Kharkiv from 2021 to 2023. The analysis revealed a notable increase in hypertension prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular complications, with a higher rise observed among men.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) increased during the armed conflict in Kharkiv, with a higher rise observed among men (9.9% vs 9.25% among women).
  • The incidence of hypertension (per 100,000 adult population) increased by 25.3% overall during the period, with a significant 47.4% increase among men and a 13.5% increase among women.
  • The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (per 100,000 adult population) increased by 20.4% in 2023, with a 26.7% rise among men and an 11.8% rise among women.
  • The incidence of stroke per 100,000 adult population increased by 13.9% overall between 2022 and 2023, with a 21.8% increase among men and a 5.6% increase among women.
  • The study concluded that under the conditions of armed conflict, the prevalence of arterial hypertension and the incidence of cardiovascular complications, particularly acute myocardial infarction and stroke, have increased significantly.
  • The study's findings suggest that men are disproportionately affected by the increased prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular complications.

Statistics:

  • The overall increase in hypertension prevalence rates per 100,000 population in Kharkiv for 2022 and 2023 was 9.5%.
  • The incidence of hypertension (per 100,000 adult population) increased by 25.3% overall during the period.
  • The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (per 100,000 adult population) increased by 20.4% in 2023.
  • The incidence of stroke per 100,000 adult population increased by 13.9% overall between 2022 and 2023.

Sources:

  • Epidemiology of Hypertensive Disease During Armed Conflict in A Frontline City. Problemi ekologii ta medicini, 2025, 29(1):19-25.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Kharkiv National Medical University Publish New Studies and Findings in the Area of Heart Attack (Epidemiology of Hypertensive Disease During Armed Conflict in A Frontline City). Health & Medicine Week. June 13, 2025; p 6050.

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