Mexican epidemiological paradox: A developing country with a burden of “richness” diseases. An update

Selected topics of public health in Mexico were reviewed, linking the socioeconomic scenario with both, the epidemics of various cardiometabolic diseases and the response of the last federal Mexican governments. The Mexican epidemiological paradox is characterized by the epidemic surge of diseases related to the economic affluence of the developed countries, but in a nation that despite its wealth, maintains almost half of its population in poverty. Some economic data are discussed, as gross domestic product, the gross national income per capita, as well as indexes expressing population well-being. The Mexican national health system is described, fractioned in several subsystems plagued with inadequacies and multiple resolution problems. We provide actualized figures about population growth, the birth and total mortality rates, life expectancy in both genders, and the number of physicians, nurses, and hospital beds per 1000 persons. Nutritional transition is also discussed, signaling the high caloric consumption by the population. Adding to the above the lack of physical exercise and a genetic proclivity, the consequence has been a severe epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure. These, in turn explain the growing incidence of stroke and coronary syndromes. It is absolutely needed to rethink and reform the national health strategies, demanding more financial support from the government in order to reduce the impact of the cardiometabolic and cardiovascular epidemics in the Mexican society.