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Advancements in cardiology and atherosclerosis research will improve early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). This progress promises to significantly reduce CAD-related illness and deaths by 2012.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Medical discoveries in cardiology are accelerating.
- Atherosclerosis research is yielding significant basic and clinical information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the anticipated impact of future medical discoveries on cardiovascular disease.
- To highlight advancements in identifying, preventing, and treating coronary artery disease (CAD).
Main Methods:
- Review of current and projected trends in medical research.
- Analysis of potential diagnostic and therapeutic developments in cardiology.
Main Results:
- Improved identification of individuals at risk for CAD.
- Enhanced strategies for preventing CAD development and progression.
- Earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment for various stages of CAD and acute myocardial ischemic syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Future advancements are expected to significantly decrease morbidity and mortality from CAD.
- Access to new information, lifestyle changes, and diagnostic/therapeutic developments are crucial.
- Substantial progress in understanding, preventing, and treating CAD is anticipated by 2012.
Abstract:
The race of medical discoveries in medicine and especially in cardiology will continue to accelerate, bringing forth much basic and clinical information. In the field of atherosclerosis, this knowledge will enable us to better identify individuals at special risk of developing CAD; to initiate dietary, medical or invasive procedures to prevent the development or progression of the disease; to diagnose the disease earlier in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients; to develop procedures for the effective early treatment of both asymptomatic mild coronary atherosclerosis and acute myocardial ischemic syndromes, and to more effectively treat patients with identified CAD. The net result should be a significant decrease in the morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease in those populations to whom such information is made available, who make the appropriate changes in life style and who have access to the new diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The future is very bright, and, by the year 2012, tremendous strides will be made in our understanding of the causes, prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.