TEHRAN- The age of getting cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has lowered by 10 years among Iranians, according to the head of Endocrinology Research Center at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 

Dr. Baqer Larijani announced that the lowered age of getting cardiovascular diseases may lead to premature death in the country, IRNA reported on Thursday. 

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among Iranians claiming 38% of the annual death rate, according to the Iranian National Organization for Civil Registration.

Cancer with 11.5 percent, respiratory diseases with 9.4 percent, and fatal unintentional injuries with 6 percent are the three top causes of mortality in the country, proceeding cardiovascular disease.

The total mortality rate of cardiovascular disease is 4.7 per 1,000 population in the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs take the lives of 17.9 million people every year, 31% of all global deaths; however, 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

SJ/MQ/MG