Cardiovascular disease is a general term for disorders which affect the heart and blood vessels. They include coronary heart disease, strokes and transient ischaemic attacks, peripheral arterial disease and aortic disease, among others. Cardiovascular disease is often associated with a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, and while its exact cause isn't clear, many risk factors can increase the likelihood of developping such a disorder, including smoking, diabetes, lack of physical activity or being overweight or obese. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world, taking an estimated 17.9 millions lives every year.
According to data from Statista's most recent Consumer Insights survey, 15 percent of Americans lived with some form of cardiovascular disease, making it the second most prevalent disorder in U.S. respondents (out of 10 issues), after mental health problems. Cardiovascular disease ranked second in several of the countries surveyed, including Germany (16 percent of respondents), Canada (12 percent), China (9 percent) and the United Kingdom (9 percent). According to the NHS, cardiovascular diseases can largely be prevended by leading a healthy lifestyle.
