Message from WHO

initiative and congratulate Professor Michio Okamoto and Professor Yukio Yamori for organizing this symposium on ‘Predictive Preventive Medicine for Hypertensive Cardiovascular Diseases’ which is being held in connection with the WHO Forum ’97. As the title of the symposium implies, the progress made in predicting the onset of certain diseases may enable their more efficient prevention or may make it possible to delay the onset and development of other diseases in the later stages of human life. This new, innovative approach in the field of preventive medicine has thus aroused tremendous expectations. A considerable amount of research has been undertaken on the contribution of environmental and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of diseases with the result that many of the risk factors contributing to their onset have been identified and clearly demonstrated. Recent advances in medical sciences, particularly in the field of genetics and molecular biology, are significant. Together with the successful implementation of the international human genome project, they have brought about a quantitative and qualitative revolution in terms of knowledge and research methodology in the area of human and clinical genetics. Furthermore, the target of genetic research has already shifted from the ‘single gene (monogenic)’ diseases to the so-called ‘polygenic’ and complex diseases, including common chronic non-communicable diseases. New knowledge has begun to provide better understanding of the genetic factors contributing to the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases. As in the case of so-called ‘lifestyle’ diseases, the contribution of risk factors categorized as ‘environmental’ factors in the broad sense and including diet, physical exercise, and tobacco smoking, to the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases is considered to be very high. New risk factors of this type have been identified and research efforts are progressing rapidly. However, it is also important to note that the situation is increasingly complex due to the influence of a number of other phenomena such as environmental degradation worldwide, and the globalization of economic activities, trade, and food supply. This symposium, which provides a timely opportunity to focus on the new approach to preventive medicine in hypertensive cardiovascular diseases, will review the present status of research and will discuss future perspectives for research development. It is hoped that this new knowledge will facilitate the prevention of chronic diseases, thus opening up the prospect of societies where people live longer in good health and without disability. It is in this context that WHO looks forward to the outcome of research in this field. I wish you fruitful discussions during this symposium and every success in your future research endeavours.