Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Do you know the world's largest killer?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to any condition affecting the heart and the circulatory system including blood, blood vessels, lymph and lymphatic vessels. According to World Health Organization (WHO), CVD is the leading cause of mortality around the world. About 30% of all global deaths is caused by CVD.

Types of CV

There are two main types of CVD :

1- Coronary heart diseases : they are conditions affecting the coronary arteries of the heart such as angina and heart attack.

2- Circulatory system diseases : they are conditions affecting the blood vessels such as stroke.

Risk factors for CVD 

1- tobacco use

2- high blood pressure

3- high cholesterol 

4- unhealthy diet

5- excessive use of drugs

6- physical inactivity

7- diabetes

8- being overweight or obesity

9- age

10- gender

11- family history

According to World Heart Federation (January, 2011) the last three factors are non-modifiable risk factors which means they can not be changed.

 References

- World Health Organization. Regional office for Southeast Asia. Hypertension fact sheet ( April. 2012)

- World Heart Federation (January, 2011)