PROBLEM

Cardiovascular disease is the secret killer with many of the deaths occurring in the younger age group. Sadly, a large number of these deaths happen suddenly having a great impact on family, friends & society at large. Many of these deaths especially in young are preventable. Cardiovascular death remains the biggest cause of death worldwide. An estimated 17.3 million people died from CVDs in 2008, representing 48% of all global deaths due to non-communicable causes, an estimated 7.3 million were due to coronary heart disease. Over 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Causes of death worldwide 2008

People in low- and middle-income countries who suffer from CVDs and other non-communicable diseases have less access to effective and equitable health care services which respond to their needs (including early detection services). At the same time they often do not have the benefit of prevention programmes compared to people in high-income countries. As a result, many people in these countries die younger from CVDs and other non-communicable diseases, often in their most productive years.

Global causes of death 2008 (WHO)
Global causes of death 2008 (WHO)

The poorest population in the low- and middle-income countries are the most affected. At the household level, sufficient evidence is emerging to prove that CVDs diseases contribute to poverty due to catastrophic health spending and high out of pocket expenditure.

At macro-economic level, CVDs place a heavy burden on the economies of low- and middle income countries. Non-communicable disease including cardiovascular disease and diabetes are estimated to reduce GDP by up to 6.77% in low- and middle-income countries experiencing rapid economic growth, as many people die prematurely.

SOLUTION

There has been a constant effort by the health authorities to tackle the problem of young deaths by promoting lifestyle changes (good diet and cessation of smoking) and also effective treatment of risk factors like Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension & High Cholesterol.

Unfortunately not all deaths are due to heart attack from coronary artery disease resulting from risk factors mentioned above, recent studies and research especially in young has now proved that this is due to heart conditions which mainly affects the muscles and conduction system of the heart. The rapidly emerging concept in Europe in preventing sudden death in the young has been possible by effective screening of this age group which helps in diagnosing people at risk of sudden death.

It simply comes down to the old saying of 'PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE'.