Final answer:
The largest cause of death and disability worldwide is cardiovascular diseases, a subset of non-communicable diseases. These conditions are primarily caused by a combination of genetic, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices and include a range of chronic ailments such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The largest cause of death and disability worldwide is cardiovascular diseases (option b). These diseases involve the heart or blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, and they are the leading cause of death globally. While infectious diseases are still prevalent, especially in low-income countries, non-communicable diseases or noninfectious diseases pose a major global health challenge. These diseases, which include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, can be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Prevention strategies can reduce the incidence of these conditions and therefore their impact on global mortality and disability.
It is important to note that non-communicable diseases encompass several types of conditions, not just cardiovascular diseases. This diverse group of diseases also includes respiratory diseases, as well as chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Together, non-communicable diseases are responsible for a greater number of deaths than any single cause among options listed, showcasing the significance of addressing lifestyle and environmental factors in disease prevention efforts.