Heart disease rising; lifestyle shift blamed

Rapid urbanization and a shift in lifestyles are the key factors behind a 20-year increase in heart disease among Chinese, according to a Harvard University study.

The study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that major changes in Chinese society may have contributed to the surge in cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Also found were increases in high-cholesterol cases, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.