Prevalence and Incidence

Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease

According to WHO estimates in 2002, 17 million people around the globe die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year, contributing to nearly one-third of global deaths.^1,2

Today, people of all ages are at risk, including children, and 80 percent of the burden of CVD is in low- and middle-income countries. By 2020 heart disease and stroke will become the leading cause of both death and disability worldwide, with the number of fatalities projected to increase to more than 20 million a year and to more than 24 million a year by 2030.^1,2

Not only is CVD costly in terms of clinical care but it affects individuals in their peak mid-life years, disrupting the future of families dependent on them and undermining the economic basis of countries by reducing the productivity of the work-force.

Mortality from CVD and CHD in Selected Countries

Atherosclerosis eventually leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in a variety of clinical manifestations including; coronary heart disease (CHD) (angina pectoris, MI, and sudden cardiac death), cerebrovascular disease (transient ischaemic attacks [TIA] and stroke) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (intermittent claudication and gangrene).

The most significant clinical manifestation, in terms of morbidity and mortality, is CHD. The image below shows that the death rates in selected countries resulting from CVD and CHD vary greatly in different countries, with the highest rates in Eastern Europe and the lowest in Japan.¹

CVD is the leading cause of death in Europe, accounting for over 4 million deaths a year.³ Nearly half (49%) of all deaths are from CVD (55% of deaths in women and 43% of deaths in men).³

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References:
1. American Heart Association. International Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2005. Available from: www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3001008.
2. The World Health Organization. Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke 2005. Available from: www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/atlas/en/.
3. European Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2000 Edition, British Heart Foundation.

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