The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke

An estimated 17 million people die of CVDs, particularly heart attacks and strokes, every
year. A substantial number of these deaths can be attributed to tobacco smoking, which
increases the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease 2–3 fold.
Physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are other main risk factors which increase individual
risks to cardiovascular diseases. One of the strategies to respond to the challenges to
population health and well being due to the global epidemic of heart attack and stroke is to
provide actionable information for development and implementation of appropriate policies.
As part of such efforts, WHO in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) has produced for the wider audience, "The Atlas of Heart Disease and
Stroke".
The atlas addresses the global epidemic of heart disease and stroke in a clear and accessible
format. This highly valuable reference material has been designed for use by policy makers,
national and international organizations, health professionals and the general public. This
picturesque atlas is in six parts: cardiovascular disease; risk factors; the burden; action; the
future and the past; and world tables.
All topics of contemporary importance have been addressed in this atlas in succinctly
summarized format such that the points are powerfully communicated in not many words on a
few pages.

Stroke, Cerebrovascular accident

A stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood
vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing
damage to the brain tissue.

The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg,
most often on one side of the body. Other symptoms include: confusion, difficulty speaking or
understanding speech; difficulty seeing with one or both eyes; difficulty walking, dizziness, loss
of balance or coordination; severe headache with no known cause; fainting or unconsciousness.

The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured and how severely it is
affected. A very severe stroke can cause sudden death.

Highlight
Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2014
Data on the current situation, identifying bottlenecks as well as opportunities and priority actions
for attaining the targets