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Cardiovascular diseases

(Photo: Istock)

Although heart attacks and strokes are major killers in all parts of the world, 80% of premature deaths from these causes could be avoided by controlling the main risk factors: tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

Every year, an estimated 17 million people globally die of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly heart attacks and strokes. CVDs occur almost equally in men and women. By 2010 CVD are estimated to have become the leading cause of death in developing countries, as well as developed ones.

Low- and middle-income countries are more exposed to CVD risk factors, and their populations have less access to preventive efforts than people in high-income countries. Thus, CVD affect these countries disproportionately: over 80% of CVD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

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