Purpose
Nationally and globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death.
In the US, heart disease claims more lives than any other disease, affecting women and men in equal numbers. Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, accounting for nearly 51% of all heart disease deaths. In 2006, coronary heart disease caused about one of every six deaths in the US. It is projected that by the close of 2010, heart disease will have cost the US more than $316.4 billion for health care services, medications, and lost productivity.
Globally, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death. More than 82% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where they affect people at an earlier age and place a “double burden” of disease on health systems already overwhelmed by infectious diseases. Heart disease and stroke are projected to remain the leading causes of death globally. By 2030, almost 23.6 million people will die from CVDs, primarily from heart disease and stroke.
80% of cardiovascular disease deaths can be prevented. Millions of lives and billions of dollars can be saved by addressing three major risk factors: nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco control; and by identifying and controlling related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
The Lown Foundations mission to promote heart health is achieved through our cardiovascular research, training, and global outreach activities.
To learn more about the national and global burden of cardiovascular disease, visit:
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Heart Association
World Health Organization