Although
the world of the new millennium has seen many improvements in the health
sector, the path of healing diseases is far to be overcome. Cardiovascular
diseases (CVD) are still huge challenges for the medical society. More people die annually from this kind of
illness than from any other cause and that is the reason why it has been given
an especial attention worldwide.
According
to the World Health Organization (WTO), an estimated 17.3 million people died
from cardiovascular diseases in 2008, representing 30% of global deaths.
Coronary heart diseases and stroke are the main causes of these deaths (almost
80%). It is well known worldwide the main factors that increase the probability
of getting a stroke: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, overweight, high blood
pressure, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol.
Besides,
low and middle-income countries are the most affected, about 80% of world’s
death from CVD. As reported by the WHO, “people
in low and middle-income countries are more exposed to risk factors such as tobacco
(…). At the same time they often do not have the benefit of prevention programs
compared to people in high-income countries.” Meanwhile, at a
macro-economic level, it represents a heavy burden on the economies of low and
middle-income countries. Non-communicable diseases – including cardiovascular
and diabetes – are estimated to reduce GDP by 6,77% in low and middle-income
countries facing rapid economic development.
The programs to fight against cardiovascular diseases
are highly expensive. Integrated actions at country level, led by governments,
are the means to maintain the people away from risk factors and, hence, not
allowing it to become a burden on national economies.
There is no difference in Brazil. Around 300 thousands
of people die from cardiovascular diseases each year, according to the
Brazilian government. Nevertheless, by the public healthcare system (SUS), the
government provides many preventive actions programs, diagnosis and free
treatments for CVD.
References: http://www.who.int/en/
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