The disease-related mortality from chronic non-communicable diseases is an emerging issue of global health in middle to high income countries. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia and diabetes mellitus are of special concern. Over time, the major risks undergone transition from the traditional to the modern ones. Although the major health risks are considered global, their geographic variations must be taken seriously into account when planning preventive strategies for specific countries or regions.