Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in developed countries. Heart disease and stroke are among the top five leading causes of death. This chapter shows the data that CAD is and will continue to become a global burden of disease and, by 2035, nearly half of the US population will have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The American Heart Association has defined seven key risk factors for heart disease and stroke called “Life’s Simple 7”. These are listed in this chapter along with their global impact.