A Holistic Approach to Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

No disease has been so extensively studied as coronary heart disease (CHD). The research of recent years has yielded remarkable advances in our understanding, and in diagnostic and interventional cardiology, su rgery and pharmacology - effort well spent for a disease that carries such heavy social and economic costs. lt is responsible for 50% of cardiovascular mortality, which accounts for 30 - 50% of all deaths in developed nations. lt is the major cause of premature death, in women as in men - incidence amongst women lagging behind by some 10 years in this age related disease. Cardiovascular disease is not only the leading cause of death in most developed nations; it is also the most costly in terms of money and disability.