CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN THE 21ST CENTURY: ADVANCES IN DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide and represent one of the greatest challenges to global public health in the 21st century. Despite significant improvements in medical science and healthcare delivery, millions of individuals continue to suffer from heart disease and stroke each year. Rapid urbanization, population aging, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes have contributed to the growing burden of cardiovascular conditions. At the same time, remarkable advances in diagnostic technologies, therapeutic interventions, and preventive strategies have significantly improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the current epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases, highlights modern diagnostic and treatment approaches, and discusses contemporary prevention strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.