Cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death globally. An estimated 17.9 million people died globally from cardiovascular related diseases in 2016. Of those deaths, approximately 85% were due to heart attack or stroke. Heart attacks and strokes are caused by a blockage that prevents blood flow to the heart or brain. The most common reason for a blockage is due to a build-up and hardening of fatty deposits along the vessels that lead to the heart or brain.
Symptoms of heart attack include:
- Chest pain
- Pain in the left should
- Tightness and pressure of the back, chest, shoulder, or jaw
- Shortness of breath or light-headedness
Symptoms of stroke include:
- Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or coordination
- Sudden blurred vision or trouble seeing
- Slurred speech, trouble speaking, or confusion
- Sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- Facial droop or numbness, especially on one side