Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide with the majority of the victims living in low and low-middle income countries. This disproportionately increasing burden in the developing countries is believed to be due to dramatic lifestyle changes in the last century. Collectively referred to as epidemiological transition, these changes have been brought about by numerous developments in science and technology that now affect every facet of human existence. Most human societies have moved from agrarian diets and active lives to fast foods and sedentary habits. Combined with increasing tobacco use, these changes have fuelled the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Further while developed nations witnessed these changes over several decades due to a long period of epidemiological transition, the alterations in developing countries are occurring at an accelerated pace calling into focus creative and innovative solutions for combating the consequences.
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