Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
Cardiovascular disease: tomorrow is the reason for today's therapeutics. An interview with Jerome D. Chen
Insights
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US. More aggressive use of available drug treatments can improve quality of life and reduce fatal cardiovascular events in older patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of mortality in the United States, exceeding cancer deaths.
- Estimates indicate over 900,000 annual deaths from CVDs, including stroke, hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and congenital defects.
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) constitutes 50% of all cardiovascular fatalities.
Discussion:
- Physicians have access to numerous agents for managing cardiovascular disorders and associated conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia.
- The interview with Jerome D. Cohen, MD, highlights the potential benefits of these medications.
- Aggressive utilization of current drug therapies is emphasized for high-risk patient populations.
Key Insights:
- Enhanced management of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia is crucial for CVD prevention.
- Proactive pharmacological interventions can significantly mitigate risks associated with cardiovascular events.
- Improved quality of life for elderly patients is a direct outcome of effective CVD management.
Outlook:
- Future strategies should focus on the more assertive application of existing pharmaceutical treatments.
- Reducing the incidence of disabling or fatal cardiovascular events is a primary objective.
- The potential for improving long-term health outcomes in aging populations through optimized medical management is substantial.
Abstract:
The prevalence and magnitude of cardiovascular disease in the United States make it the leading cause of mortality, far surpassing deaths from all cancers. More than 900,000 Americans die each year from cardiovascular causes, including stroke, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and congenital heart defects, according to American Heart Association estimates. Coronary heart disease alone accounts for 50% of all cardiovascular deaths. A host of agents designed to help manage cardiovascular disorders and related conditions (eg, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia) are available to physicians who treat patients at high risk. In this interview, Jerome D. Cohen, MD, explains why more aggressive use of these drug treatments today could significantly improve older patients' quality of life and reduce the risk of a disabling or fatal cardiovascular event in the next millennium.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

