Once, these diseases were regarded as affecting exclusively industrialized nations, but this is no longer true. As developing countries modernize, they are more able to control communicable diseases, and the life expectancy of their populations increases. Unfortunately, so do their risks of circulatory conditions. In the industrialized countries themselves, meanwhile, deaths rates from coronary heart disease have declined dramatically in the last 30 years. This is largely because of better medical treatment and preventive measures including health education on smoking and diet.
Blood pressure increases progressively with age.
The causes can be genetic, but are commonly related to a diet rich in animal fats. Similar levels of inactivity are becoming more common in newly-industrialized countries. The projected rise in the number of diabetes sufferers from about 135 million now to almost 300 million by the year 2025 is due to population ageing, unhealthy diets, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Developing countries will bear the brunt of the diabetes epidemic in the 21st century. Its long term complications include heart disease, predominantly in industrialized countries, kidney failure, blindness, and, particularly in developing countries, foot infections, gangrene and amputation of the limbs.