Heart Matters

摘要

Cardiovascular diseases, that is, diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels, are the leading cause of death in the world. Cardiac and vascular diseases represent nearly 30% of all global deaths. Furthermore, diseases of the cardiovascular system are responsible for disability, with substantial socioeconomic costs. Research on causes, prevention, and/or treatment of cardiac and vascular diseases is currently ongoing in several biomedical research institutions worldwide. The best opportunities for scientific progress lie in understanding the detailed mechanisms of cardiovascular disease at the molecular level and applying this understanding to develop and implement new strategies for its prevention and treatment. Research, using molecular approaches and animal models of human disease, can then be translated into clinical practice. In addition, current state-of-the-art treatments are further developed in clinical practice.