Today's biggest killer diseases in the western world are heart disease and cancer. Both affect mainly older people. From the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, the number of people over 65 has doubled. Due to advances in medical technology doctors can often diagnose cancer and heart disease - but not always prescribe a treatment. The lifestyle of the patient has a contributory factor in the onset of these diseases - high fat diets, smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and pollution all play a part in their onset.
Heart disease is used to describe disease, which affects the body's blood circulation.
Any disruption of the blood, such as a blood clot, or thrombosis, can stop blood from reaching the brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease is most common in the western world. Treatment includes drugs that steady the pulse and lower blood pressure. Surgery is often performed to install pace makers to steady the heartbeat, or in heart bypasses where furred arteries are removed. Heart transplants are also an option but remain risky.