RESUMO
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death and disability in México. 25% of deaths under 60 years of age are related to chronic degenerative diseases. These disorders are more common in developing countries and are caused by an excessive intake of fatty acids, sodium, alcohol, tobacco consumption and decrease in physical activity. The prevalence of risk factors is increasing not only in adult population but also in youth and children. Data from the Department of Epidemiology from the Mexican Ministry of Health in the period between 1998 and 2000 showed that the death caused by coronary artery disease was more frequent in men (55%) than women (45%) and acute coronary syndrome was responsible for deaths in 83.5% of men and 76.8% in women. Primary Prevention Programs are necessary to decrease the impact of cardiovascular diseases.