Dialing 911: a call to action

Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the nation's leading causes of disability and death. Scientific advances have provided newer treatments that, when applied effectively and in time, save a significant number of lives. Multiple factors in our system of delivery impede our ability to apply effective treatments, but with an analysis of the components of care, each of us can take leadership roles in our communities to improve the chain of survival. These elements and the science supporting each are briefly reviewed.