The WHO Programme on Cardiovascular Diseases is concerned with prevention, management and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases globally. By 2010 CVD is estimated to be the leading cause of death in developing countries.
Heart disease has no geographic, gender or socio-economic boundaries.
CVD in developing countries Economic transition urbanisation, industrialisation and globalisation bring about lifestyle changes that promote heart disease. These risk factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet. Life expectancy in developing countries is rising sharply and people are exposed to these risk factors for longer periods. Newly merging CVD risk factors like low birth weight, folate deficiency and infections are also more frequent among the poorest in low and middle income countries. Social and economic consequences Clinical care of CVD is costly and prolonged.