In the United States, one person will die every 30 seconds from cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD remains the leading cause of death in industrialized countries and is the largest cost driver to health systems. The American Heart Association estimates the direct and indirect costs of CVD in the United States alone for 2006 are $403.1 billion. CVD can be generally defined as any abnormal condition characterized by dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels – caused by the gradual buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, brain and other vital organs. Currently, the needs of only 30% of patients on CVD therapies are being met.
Cardiovascular Disease
