Advances in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) have led to significant improvements in prognosis and quality of life, but globally CHD remains a leading cause of premature death and disability. In 2001 CHD was responsible for 11.8% of all deaths in low- and middle-income countries and 17.3% in high-income countries, accounting for over 7 million deaths worldwide. By 2020 CHD is projected to be the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years, reflecting a rapidly increasing prevalence in developing countries and Eastern Europe, and the rising incidence...

Advances in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) have led to significant improvements in prognosis and quality of life, but globally CHD remains a leading cause of premature death and disability. In 2001 CHD was responsible for 11.8% of all deaths in low- and middle-income countries and 17.3% in high-income countries, accounting for over 7 million deaths worldwide. By 2020 CHD is projected to be the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years, reflecting a rapidly increasing prevalence in developing countries and Eastern Europe, and the rising incidence of obesity and diabetes in the Western world.