Ischaemic heart disease is the number one killer in the world.
Ischaemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition where the blood supply to the heart is reduced, often due to the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This lack of blood flow can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or heart failure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it accounted for 9.0 million deaths globally in 2021, representing approximately 13% of all deaths worldwide. This marks a significant increase of 2.7 million deaths since 2000, highlighting the growing burden of this disease.
Here's a breakdown of why ischaemic heart disease is such a significant global health threat:
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High Prevalence: Ischaemic heart disease affects a large portion of the global population, particularly in older adults.
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Risk Factors: Several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors contribute to its development:
- Modifiable Risk Factors: These include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol. These factors can be addressed through lifestyle changes.
- Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: These include age, sex, and family history.
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Global Impact: The disease is prevalent in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries, though access to timely diagnosis and treatment may vary significantly.
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Preventability: While not all cases are preventable, lifestyle modifications and early detection can significantly reduce the risk of developing or dying from ischaemic heart disease.
Addressing the global burden of ischaemic heart disease requires a multifaceted approach, including:
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Promoting healthy lifestyles: Encouraging regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and abstaining from tobacco.
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Improving access to healthcare: Ensuring timely diagnosis, treatment, and management of ischaemic heart disease, particularly in underserved populations.
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Investing in research: Furthering our understanding of the disease and developing new prevention and treatment strategies.
In conclusion, ischaemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, emphasizing the need for global efforts to promote heart health and address its underlying risk factors.
