Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term encompassing any disease related to the heart or blood vessels. This includes a range of conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and congenital heart defects. CVD remains the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 32% of all deaths worldwide; in 2022, an estimated 19.8 million people died from CVD. Notably, more than 75% of CVD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting global disparities in access to healthcare and preventative measures.
While CVD is often associated with older adults, nearly 50% of Americans aged 20 and older have some form of cardiovascular disease, demonstrating that it can affect individuals across all stages of life. Traditional risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. However, emerging research indicates that factors such as poor dental hygiene, inadequate sleep, and even deep forehead wrinkles may also contribute to CVD risk. Recent studies also highlight the potential for new prevention and risk stratification approaches using genetics, sophisticated imaging, and artificial intelligence to identify at-risk individuals before symptoms appear.