ABSTRACT
Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for 25% of all deaths in 2010 (12.9 million deaths)1 compared with 20% of deaths 20 years earlier. More than 80% of cardiovascular diseases occur in low-income countries, and it has been estimated that the worldwide mortality rate will increase to 23 million by 2030.2 The known major cardiovascular risk factors account for about 90% of the attributable risk for myocardial infarction and stroke worldwide.3 It is therefore possible to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and this remains a major public health priority worldwide.
