ABSTRACT
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Cardiovascular disease, including acute myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and stroke, are the leading causes of death throughout the world. In accordance with the data provided by the World Health Organization in 2000 (1), heart disease is responsible for 29% of the total mortality rate in the world (Figure 16.1). Based on the mortality rates of different types of cardiovascular disease, as shown in Figures 16.2a and 16.2b, acute myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease are the most important heart problems, starting at age 45 for men and 55 for women. However, congestive heart failure and stroke affect older individuals, both men and women, over age 75 (1).
