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Cardiovascular Disease
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Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are responsible for the majority of deaths in most industrialized societies. These disorders of the heart and blood vessels include coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. For many people these diseases are also the main cause of reduced physical activity and early retirement.
It is estimated that more than 12 million people world-wide die every year from CVD. Annual costs for treatment with surgery, drugs and rehabilitation measures are enormous. Not all costs are monetary.
Atherosclerosis and hypertension can lead to myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, and thrombosis. Even with treatment these diseases can have a devastating impact on a person's quality of life, robbing them of their independence or even their very life itself.
In terms of mortality and morbidity as well as in respect to social, medical and economic consequences coronary heart disease is the most significant disorder affecting industrialized societies. Prevention, therefore, should be the first line of defense for anyone.
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"It is striking how in countries, in, for example South East Asia, where formerly infectious disease was by far the leading cause of death, coronary heart disease now is the leading cause of death."
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