Cardiovascular Disease: From Treatment to Promoting Health; A Challenge for the Next Decade

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most prevalent cause of mortality across the globe [1-2]. Of every 10 deaths worldwide, 6 are due to noncommunicable conditions; 3 to communicable, reproductive or nutritional conditions; and 1 to injuries. Of the noncommunicable conditions CVD is by far the most prevalent cause of death, accounting for at least 30-40% of mortality attributable to noncommunicable conditions [2]. Importantly, CVD can manifest in many ways, including as coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction, stoke, renal failure, aortic aneurysm and degenerative brain disease (DBD). This massive burden of disease consumes a significant share of the world’s fiscal and health care resources, and has a major, adverse influence on the physical and mental wellbeing of patients and their families. Added to this, in many nations the looming ‘aging epidemic’ will soon compound this problem. Framed by the aging ‘baby-boomer’ cohort, the number of persons at risk for CAD and CVD is predicted to increase dramatically in the coming decade [1], which will place significant additional demands on health care resources. Meeting the challenges of the ‘aging epidemic’ is something that will assume increasing importance in the coming decade. Moreover, as can already be seen from this complex matrix of factors, attempts at reducing the morbidity and mortality attributable to CVD will require a multi-pronged approach spanning biology, treatment modalities, societal attitudes and health care resource utilization [3].