Symposium discusses comprehensive protection for cardiovascular-renal-metabolic patients

The symposium served not only as a platform for in-depth scientific exchange but also marked a significant step forward in the journey of treatment innovation, both in Vietnam and around the world.

Local and international experts in cardiovascular-renal-metabolic healthcare came together for a panel discussion held as part of the symposium. (Photo courtesy of the organiser)
Local and international experts in cardiovascular-renal-metabolic healthcare came together for a panel discussion held as part of the symposium. (Photo courtesy of the organiser)

HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Health experts highlighted the importance of early intervention and comprehensive disease management for cardiovascular-renal-metabolic patients at a recent scientific symposium organised by the Vietnam Heart Association.

According to experts, cardiovascular-renal-metabolic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and metabolic disorders such as diabetes,– are among the most pressing healthcare challenges. These conditions are closely interconnected, often coexisting and mutually exacerbating one another.

For instance, over 60% of patients with chronic kidney disease also have cardiovascular disease; 30–40% of heart failure patients also suffer from chronic kidney disease; and approximately 40% of diabetes patients have kidney complications. Notably, 16% of patients with heart failure are also diagnosed with both diabetes and kidney disease, while 20–40% of heart failure patients have diabetes, and one in three individuals with diabetes suffer from cardiovascular disease. Effective management of these overlapping conditions requires an integrated approach that addresses all three simultaneously.

Diabetes is associated with serious complications, especially affecting the heart and kidneys, two vital organs essential to sustaining life.

Alarmingly, the global prevalence of diabetes continues to rise. An estimated 537 million people worldwide are living with this disease, more than 60 million suffer from heart failure, and approximately 850 million are affected by chronic kidney disease.

At the event, experts strongly emphasised the need for early intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration to effectively manage cardiovascular-renal-metabolic diseases.

Professor Javed Butler, President of Baylor Scott and White Research Institute (USA), added: “Proactive screening, especially among high-risk populations, is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe complications. Early detection and timely treatment not only extend patients’ lives but also significantly improve their quality of life - easing both physical suffering and emotional burdens for patients and their families.”

In Vietnam, cardiovascular-renal-metabolic diseases pose a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with cardiovascular diseases alone accounting for 21% of the national health burden, followed by diabetes and kidney disease, which together contribute 6.3% of the total burden.

The Standing Vice President of the Vietnam National Heart Association, Professor Nguyen Lan Viet, said: “Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases are deeply interconnected and often coexist, creating a cycle that increases health risks and accelerates disease progression. This close association underscores the urgent need for early intervention through timely screening, diagnosis and treatment to better manage these conditions and improve outcomes for patients at risk”.

In Vietnam, approximately seven million people are currently living with type 2 diabetes. Research estimates that with timely intervention and early treatment, more than 21,682 lives with type 2 diabetes could be saved annually, and over 17,000 cardiovascular-related deaths could be prevented. Additionally, early disease management could also save an estimated 588 billion VND yearly by reducing the need for dialysis and the treatment of related complications.

The symposium served not only as a platform for in-depth scientific exchange but also marked a significant step forward in the journey of treatment innovation, both in Vietnam and around the world. With the latest clinical data and proven therapeutic outcomes, the event opened new pathways for improving cardiovascular-renal-metabolic health outcomes and enhancing quality of life for millions of patients worldwide./.

VNA

See more

Patients register at the reception desk upon arrival for medical examination. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City targets free basic hospital fees for residents by 2030

Under the programme, the southern largest economic hub has set several key health targets to be achieved by 2030. The average height of children and adolescents under 18 is expected to increase by at least 1.5cm, while the average life expectancy of residents is projected to reach around 77 years, including at least 68 years of healthy living.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam extends greetings to leaders and staff of the Hanoi – Vientiane General Hospital on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Vietnamese Doctors’ Day on February 27. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese doctors in Laos help foster bilateral solidarity

Commending the Hanoi – Vientiane General Hospital’s 13-year development, Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam noted that prioritising conscience and virtue has helped it build a strong reputation among Lao citizens, the Vietnamese community and international friends in Laos.

Organ transplantation at the University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: the University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City)

Professional excellence, dedication define Vietnam’s healthcare system

When patients pull through from the brink of death, when their vital signs stabilise and transplanted hearts begin beating strongly in new bodies, the joy shared by the entire medical team is overwhelming. And when the country welcomes the New Year, saving lives takes on an even more profound significance — offering patients and their families a new spring of hope.

At Phu Rieng communal medical station in Dong Nai province (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam fosters maternal and child healthcare, advances toward 2035 goals

The under-five mortality rate in Vietnam in 2025 was estimated at below 16 per 1,000 live births, more than three times lower than the 1990 level. The infant mortality rate (under one year) declined fourfold to below 11 per 1,000, while the neonatal mortality rate dropped fivefold, from 44 per 1,000 in 1990 to 8.8 per 1,000 in 2025.

Medicine support programmes provide significant benefits to patients throughout their course of treatment. (Photo: VNA)

Over 6,000 patients receive free medicines

The schemes focus primarily on cancer, rare diseases and severe chronic conditions, areas where treatment costs are high and often require expensive biological and originator drugs.

A lung transplant surgery at the National Lung Hospital (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaches new height in organ transplantation

From demanding cross-country transplants to highly specialised procedures nearing regional and international standards, the sector has created new chances of survival for thousands of patients. However, persistent bottlenecks in organ donation and the legal framework highlight the urgent need to further perfect the national donation–transplantation system. In the era of advanced medicine, progress is measured not only by surgical mastery, but also by the ability to turn loss into hope and sustain life.

The DAV asks pharmacy producers and distributors to increase medicine supply capacity during Tet to meet increasing demand (Photo: VNA)

Measures rolled out to ensure adequate medicine supply during Tet

Accordingly, provincial and municipal health departments are required to direct hospitals, centres for disease control and health care facilities to urgently develop plans and carry out medicine procurement to ensure sufficient supply, absolutely avoiding shortages. Medicines must meet quality standards and be sold at reasonable prices, with no sudden price increases allowed.

Military doctors conduct ultrasound examinations for residents in Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, Lang Son province. (Photo: VNA)

Resolution 72 opens path to a modern, sustainable healthcare system

To build a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the challenges of ageing, emerging diseases and rising expectations for quality care, Vietnam must continue to strengthen primary and preventive care, invest in human resources, accelerate digitalisation and big data development, and refine healthcare financing mechanisms.

Vietnam steps up Nipah virus prevention at border gates (Photo: suckhoedoisong.vn)

Vietnam tightens Nipah virus prevention at border gates

Local authorities have been instructed to strengthen disease prevention and control measures at border gates, medical facilities and in the community, stay updated with global disease information, and closely monitor inbound travellers.

Nipah virus infection is designated a Group A infectious disease, with reported fatality rates of between 40 and 75%. (Photo: moh.gov.vn)

Health sector steps up preparedness against Nipah virus disease

Nipah virus infection is designated a Group A infectious disease, with reported fatality rates of between 40 and 75%. At present, no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available. The virus is mainly transmitted from animals to humans or through contact with contaminated food and objects, and can also spread between people via direct contact with bodily fluids and secretions of infected patients.

Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan (Photo: VNA)

Health minister highlights comprehensive, people-centred healthcare orientation

Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said the Politburo's Resolution No. 72 provides a breakthrough orientation for the protection, care and improvement of the people’s health. It places the people’s health at the centre of all healthcare policies and services, while aiming to address long-standing bottlenecks in the health sector that have yet to be fundamentally resolved.