tobacco

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant and common health problem in most Pacific island countries and worldwide. CVDs are the number one cause of death in the world. In the Western Pacific region, there is a 16.2% chance of dying of a CVD, cancer or diabetes between the ages of 30 and 70.Some of the most common types of CVDs include heart attacks, raised blood pressure, stroke and heart failure.

Betel nut is the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world after tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. Its main active psychoactive component, called arecoline, is thought to cause adverse health effects. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that the betel nut is a carcinogen