The underlying cause of coronary heart disease and stroke is atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits that form plaques on the inner lining of the blood vessels).

Risk factors include:

• Age, sex and family history – often referred to as non-modifiable risk factors
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• An unhealthy diet
• Physical inactivity
• Diabetes
• Obesity or being overweight
• Unrelieved stress

Cardiovascular disease usually refers to heart disease and stroke that is caused by a narrowing or blockage of a blood vessel. Often, there are no symptoms of the underlying disease. A heart attack or stroke may be the first signs of CVD.