From Global to Microscopic Views of Cardiovascular Disease

The 71st Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association in Dallas, Tex, November 8 through 11, 1998, began with a plea from president Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, to take a global view of cardiovascular disease on the eve of a new millennium. But some of the most startling science was concentrated at the level of genes.In his presidential address, Fuster warned that although recent data indicate that acute treatment and secondary prevention have decreased death due to cardiovascular disease and stroke in the United States, the statistics hide the real problem. “In reality, however, the severe impact of these cardiovascular diseases on mortality has been postponed for a few years,” he said.Cardiovascular disease is not only the leading cause of death in the United States and in most developed nations, it is also the most costly in terms of money and disability. “At present, nearly 10 million people are affected,” Fuster said. “These diseases bear the highest cost: about $274 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity.”According to Fuster, by the early part of the next century, cardiovascular diseases will be the leading cause of death and disability in the world. Combating this “evolving epidemic” means meeting 3 challenges, Fuster said.“First, how will we be able to support and energize cardiovascular and stroke research?” In part, the US Congress has begun that process by proposing double funding for the National Institutes of Health over the next 5 years, he said. In fiscal year 1999, Congress has already allocated $2 billion more to biomedical research, for a total of $15.6 billion.Organizations such as the AHA facilitate such research by targeting their money to specific diseases and problems, Fuster said. “One of the American Heart Association’s goals is to identify and provide initial support to …