Cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) involve cardiac arteries and veins. Although the term is technically applied to any disorders affecting cardiovascular system, it is usually referred to those related to atherosclerosis or arterial disease . These conditions have similar causes, mechanisms and treatments. Most countries face high and increasing rates of cardiovascular disease. Each year, mortality due to heart diseases exceeds that of cancer around the world. It is the principal cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries (United States, 1999). According to the latest WHO statistics, the vast majority of killer diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are non-communicable, chronic diseases. Of the 413 deaths per 100,000 in 2002, 144 (35 percent) were due to cardiovascular disease (WHO report, 2008). Coronary heart disease constitutes one of the main health problems in Saudi Arabia, representing the third most common cause of hospital-based mortality second to accident and senility. By the time heart problems are detected, their underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, and had been progressed for decades. Vascular injury accumulates in adolescence, making it necessary for primary preventive measures to be taken from childhood. There is therefore increasing emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy diet, exercise and avoidance of smoking (Rainwater et al., 1999).