CVD-related mortality
Risk factors
CVD is the number one cause of death worldwide, with 17.5 million deaths in 2012, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries(9). Furthermore, 75% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries(1). CVD mortality is declining in high-income countries due to reductions in cardiovascular risk factors as well as to recent advances in prevention, treatment and management(10).
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of a CVD event include age, diabetes, current smoking, elevated low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or low high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, family history, overweight/obesity and physical inactivity (Figure 2.5)(11–13).
Figure 2.5 CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD) RISK FACTORS
Current
TOBACCO
DIABETES
use
AGE FAMILY history
High blood
Physical
PRESSURE
INACTIVITY
LDL HDL Elevated LDL or low HDL
Unhealthy
CHOLESTEROL
DIET
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