Access to treatment and support for cardiovascular disease (CVD) varies widely across the world. Over 75% of CVD deaths occur in low-to middle-income countries, but access can be an issue anywhere. World Heart Day is an opportunity for everyone to spread awareness and help make a difference in the lives of all humankind.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world's number one killer, causing over 18.6 million deaths per year. 

CVD is a class of diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels (veins and arteries). More people die from CVD worldwide than from any other cause: over 18.6 million every year. Of these deaths, 85% are due to coronary heart diseases (e.g heart attacks) and cerebrovascular diseases (e.g. strokes) and mostly affect low-and middle-income countries.

Risk Factors

Looking after your heart starts with understanding your risk. There are many risk factors associated with coronary heart disease and stroke, including family history and habitual risk factors like smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, eating an unhealthy diet, or living with high blood pressure.

You will not necessarily develop cardiovascular disease if you have a risk factor. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, unless you take action and work to prevent your risk factors compromising your heart health.

As a trusted in vitro diagnostic national enterprise in China, Getein has been at the forefront of developing comprehensive tests in aid of evaluating the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which enables healthcare professionals to provide real-time diagnosis, make informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.