A common symptom of ischemic heart disease is a heart attack. In 2002, the World Health Organization estimated that ischemic heart disease was responsible for more than 12% of all global deaths.
It is the leading cause of death in developed countries. However, in developing countries, it ranks third after AIDS and lower respiratory infections.
Heart attacks, also known as acute myocardial infarction, are a type of disease that involves a disruption in the blood supply to a portion of the heart. As a result, there is a lack of oxygen, which can harm or even kill the heart tissue. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death worldwide.
A history of angina or vascular disease, a previous stroke or heart attack, old age, excessive alcohol, illegal drug abuse, smoking, episodes of abnormal heart beat, obesity, high levels of stress, high or low cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes are all major risk factors for heart attacks.
