Abstract

Dr. Evayline Nkirigacha Miriti*

ABSTRACT

There is a rise in cardiovascular diseases in the populations causing a world disease burden. This has led to increased morbidity and premature mortality in developing and developed countries. Several surveys conducted across the country over the past two decades have shown a rising prevalence of major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in urban and rural populations. By examining similar experiences globally, it outlines the scope of cardiovascular diseases surveillance in globally and more so in developing countries. This was a systematic review of published articles for the period up to 2018. The papers reviewed were cutting across regions from African regions to the Gulf regions and European and United States of America regions. The papers reviewed were on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease between male and females of age between 18 to 90 years. The results showed that the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking and excessive use of alcohol, diabetes mellitus, unhealthy diets, gender and lack of physical exercise. This study will help to point out the need of research so that some advanced diagnosis system may be developed for proper diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the world. There is need to conduct education on the real causes of cardiovascular diseases to populations in order to reduce chances of contracting the disease. Healthy lifestyle and consumption of Mediterranean diets is key to reduction of cardiovascular diseases in all populations.