Heart disease is a major cause of death in Taiwan, second only to cancer. According to the Taipei Times, “Every 25 minutes, a person dies of heart disease in Taiwan,” the mortality rate of heart disease in Taiwan increased by 7% in 2016. Ischemic heart disease, stroke, and hypertensive heart disease are the major heart diseases in Taiwan. Hypertensive heart diseases, including the narrowing of arteries and thickening and enlargement of the hearts, recorded a 10% increase in mortality rate since 2010. The lifestyle habits of Taiwanese people, including a high-sodium diet, sugar sweetened beverages, and extensive smoking habits are major risk factors that contribute to the increased mortality rate of heart disease. Hypertensive heart disease is most deadly to both Taiwanese men and women over the age of 80.
