Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease
An estimated 16.7 million - or 29.2% of total global deaths - result from the various forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1].
The major types of CVD include:
CVD - The Leading Cause of Death in 2010
Within the last 20 years, rapidly rising rates of obesity have led to major increases in the prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. As these conditions markedly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), death and disability from CVD may start to increase again in developed countries. But this phenomenon is not restricted to the developed world; many developing countries are developing these health problems due to increasing life expectancy and the widespread westernization of lifestyles [2].
Some 80% of all CVD deaths worldwide took place in developing, low and middle-income countries, while these countries also accounted for 86% of the global CVD disease burden. It is estimated that by 2010, CVD will be the leading cause of death in developing countries.
The major types of CVD include:
- Coronary (or ischaemic) heart disease (heart attack)
- Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
- Artherosclerosis
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart failure
- Rheumatic heart disease
CVD - The Leading Cause of Death in 2010
Within the last 20 years, rapidly rising rates of obesity have led to major increases in the prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. As these conditions markedly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), death and disability from CVD may start to increase again in developed countries. But this phenomenon is not restricted to the developed world; many developing countries are developing these health problems due to increasing life expectancy and the widespread westernization of lifestyles [2].
Some 80% of all CVD deaths worldwide took place in developing, low and middle-income countries, while these countries also accounted for 86% of the global CVD disease burden. It is estimated that by 2010, CVD will be the leading cause of death in developing countries.
