Risk Factors

HEART DISEASE 101

What Causes Heart Disease?

Atherosclerosis, commonly known as "hardening of the arteries", is responsible for almost all cases of cardiovascular disease.

Atherosclerosis is a process that begins as early as adolescence, when fatty streaks first begin to collect in the lining of your blood vessels. These streaks or lesions develop into tough, swollen plaques in early adulthood - which can lead to strokes or heart attacks in middle age and later life.

How Common is Heart Disease?

Cardiovascular Disease (or Heart Disease) is the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2003, 7.2 million people died of cardiovascular disease.

The 1999 World Health Report estimated that 30.9% of all deaths in 1998 were attributed to Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). Heart disease is a worldwide epidemic.

Even though heart disease is still more common among wealthier socioeconomic classes, the majority of the disease burden actually falls on the poorest members of society. Because poorer people (and poorer countries) are less likely to receive preventive care, most of the deaths associated with heart disease are from developing countries. For more information about how C-era Medical Clinic is working to reduce CVD in the developing world, learn about our International Division.