WHO cardiovascular diseases: Heart disease kills 32% globally, according to the World Health Organisation. In 2022, an estimated 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), making them the leading cause of death worldwide. This represents roughly one-third of all global deaths, with the vast majority—85 percent—resulting from heart attacks and strokes. A July 2025 WHO report notes that over 38 percent of premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases in 2021 were caused by CVDs.
WHO cardiovascular diseases often show no symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Key heart attack signs include chest pain, discomfort in arms or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, and cold sweats. Women may experience more breathlessness and back pain. Stroke symptoms involve sudden weakness on one side of the body, confusion, vision issues, dizziness, or severe headache. Immediate medical care is crucial for these symptoms. Rheumatic heart disease can cause fatigue, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.
Prevention of WHO cardiovascular diseases focuses on addressing risk factors like high blood pressure, raised glucose, obesity, and smoking. WHO recommends stopping tobacco use, reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, and avoiding harmful alcohol. Early detection through regular checks of blood pressure and glucose in primary care is vital. Access to essential medicines like aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins helps manage these risks.
In conclusion, WHO cardiovascular diseases remain a major global health challenge, but many can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes and timely medical care. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for health concerns.