Cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular diseases refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins).

Most countries face high and increasing rates of cardiovascular disease. Each year, heart disease kills more Americans than cancer..

It is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries (data available through 2005). A large histological study (PDAY) showed vascular injury accumulates from adolescence, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood.

By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking.

Biomarkers

Some biomarkers are thought to offer a more detailed risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the clinical value of these biomarkers is questionable. Currently, biomarkers which may reflect a higher risk of cardiovascular disease include:

• Higher fibrinogen and PAI-1 blood concentrations
• Elevated homocysteine, or even upper half of normal
• Elevated blood levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine
• High inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein
• Elevated blood levels of brain natriuretic peptide (also known as B-type) (BNP)

Awareness

Despite the success of the Dean Ornish studies in the eighties and nineties, most people and doctors are still unaware of the extensive research showing that stress reduction and diet can prevent, eliminate, and reduce nearly all forms of heart disease. At the same time many people rely on medications (such as aspirin) which may decrease certain risk factors such as heart attacks, but increase others such as hemorrhaging, and in the end often have no impact on long term morbidity.

Treatment

Unlike many other chronic medical conditions Cardiovascular disease is treatable and reversible even after a long history of disease. Treatment is primarily focused on diet and stress reduction.

Starts Young

Population based studies in the youth show that the precursors of heart disease start in adolescence. The process of atherosclerosis evolves over decades, and begins as early as childhood. The Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth Study demonstrated that intimal lesions appear in all the aortas and more than half of the right coronary arteries of youths aged 7-9 years. However, most adolescents are more concerned about other risks such as HIV, accidents, and cancer than cardiovascular disease. This is extremely important considering that 1 in 3 people will die from complications attributable to atherosclerosis. In order to stem the tide of cardiovascular disease, primary prevention is needed. Primary prevention starts with education and awareness that cardiovascular disease poses the greatest threat and measures to prevent or reverse this disease must be taken.