Coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer and HIV/AIDS are common diseases in humans that rank amongst the top ten causes of death worldwide, based upon estimates provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). If you develop any symptoms associated with any of these common diseases, speak with your doctor for further evaluation and care.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease---also referred to as coronary artery disease---is the leading cause of death throughout the world, reports health professionals at the WHO. This medical condition is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) within the arteries of the heart. These plaques can block the normal flow of blood to the heart, which can progressively weaken and damage the heart muscle. If this occurs, you are at an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack. Signs of coronary heart disease or heart attack include chest pain (angina), upper body pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting. If you develop any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease (stroke) is a medical condition that is caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain. The two predominate types of cerebrovascular disease are ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a weakened blood vessel that bursts, allowing excess blood to flow into the brain. Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease can include sudden headache, muscle weakness, vision problems, loss of coordination, dizziness or difficulty speaking. Such symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-threatening lung disease that affects more than 12 million people, report health professionals at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute---a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This condition is caused by a blockage of the airway passages, which can severely impact a patient's ability to breathe normally. Symptoms of COPD can progressively worsen over time and include shortness of breath, constant coughing, wheezing and an inability to inhale deeply.
Cancer
Cancer is a medical condition that occurs due to abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth within various tissues or organs in the human body. Depending upon the location of cancerous cell growth in the body, a number of different symptoms can develop. Cancer symptoms can include alterations in body weight, excessive fatigue, abnormal bowel changes, new skin growths, difficulty eating or unusual bleeding or discharge, explains the National Cancer Institute.
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS---the final stage of HIV---resulted in the deaths of more than 2 million people throughout the world in 2004, reports the WHO. HIV is a highly contagious infection that is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. This virus infects and kills immune cells (white blood cells) that are integral to protecting the body against infection. Symptoms of HIV are vague and can include flu-like symptoms, weight loss, cough or excessive fatigue. If you have been exposed to HIV, seek medical care immediately to prevent spreading this infection to another person.
