Global Epidemiology and Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract The pattern and global burden of disease has evolved considerably over the last two decades from primarily communicable, maternal, and perinatal causes to noncommunicable disease (NCD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the single most important and largest cause of NCD deaths worldwide, at over 50%. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 17.6 million people died of CVD worldwide in 2012. Proportionally this accounts for an estimated 31.3% of global mortality, with ischemic heart disease (IHD) accounting for 7.4 million deaths, 13.2%. IHD was also the greatest single cause of death in 2000, accounting for an estimated 6.0 million deaths. The global burden of CVD falls, principally, on the lower- and middle-income countries, accounting for over 80% of CVD deaths. Individual populations face differing health challenges, and each specific population has unique health burdens, however, CVD continues to remain one of the greatest health challenges worldwide.