Figure 1
From seismic shock to cardiovascular burden: implications for disaster preparedness in Colombia.
The figure illustrates the pathways through which earthquakes may affect cardiovascular health, from the initial seismic event and its associated physiological and healthcare-system disruptions to acute and longer-term cardiovascular consequences. In Colombia, geographic isolation, inequalities in healthcare access, disruption of referral pathways, and regional pressure on cardiovascular services may amplify these effects. Key preparedness priorities include continuity of essential cardiovascular medications, preservation of emergency referral pathways, adequate regional surge capacity, and structured post-disaster cardiovascular follow-up.