Cardiovascular Diseases in Natural Disasters; a Systematic Review

As a result of destruction and lack of access to vital infrastructures and mental stress, disastersintensify cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and hence management of CVDs becomes more challenging. The aimof this study is investigating incidence and prevalence of CVDs, morbidity and mortality of CVDs, treatmentand management of CVDs at the time of natural disasters.

In the present systematic review, the arti-cles published in English language until 28. 11. 2020, which studied CVDs in natural disasters were included.The inclusion criteria were CVDs such as myocardial infarction (MI), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), hyper-tension (HTN), pulmonary edema, and heart failure (HF) in natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, storm,hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, and tornado.

The search led to accessing 4426 non-duplicate records.Finally, the data of 104 articles were included in quality appraisal. We managed to find 4, 21 and 79 full textarticles, which considered cardiovascular diseases at the time of flood, storm, and earthquake, respectively.

Prevalence of CVD increases after disasters. Lack of access to medication or lack of medicationadjustment, losing home blood pressure monitor as a result of destruction and physical and mental stress afterdisasters are of the most significant challenges of controlling and managing CVDs. By means of quick establish-ment of health clinics, quick access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment, providing and access to medication,self-management, and self-care incentives along with appropriate medication and non-medication measures tocontrol stress, we can better manage and control cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension.