Cardiology and health policy

Coronary artery disease (CAD), and its most important and most serious complication – the acute myocardial infarction (AMI), are the leading causes for the exceptionally high invalidity, mortality and morbidity in the world, either in the developed and middle-developed countries, or in the transitional countries. The mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases in USA is about 43%, while in Europe is about 50%. By 2020 it is estimated that CVD will become the leading cause of the global health burden, accounting for 73 percent of total global mortality and 56 percent of total morbidity.

Cardiology is a field of science, where triumphant results are achieved concerning the pharmacological, interventional and surgical treatment of heart diseases, but the coronary disease is still a challenge for many doctors and scientists. There is moderate knowledge on the genetic basis of CAD/MI, as well as on their relation to the multiple risk factors which are identified, including the family predisposition, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking, as well as diabetes. With the beginning of the molecular era, there is hope that by studying and greater fundamental understanding of the biologic processes, a new progress in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease will develop. In the world today, there is a trend to make bridges of cooperation in the “gap” that exists between the contemporary medical practice and the contemporary science, hoping that by better understanding of the basic principles we will move to more successful solution of the problems that appear in the cardiologic patients.

Message from the author:

The coronary artery disease is number one killer in the world. This disease is a global challenge that requires a global solution. A global action is necessary to achieve global success.