Non-Invasive Surrogate Markers of Atherosclerosis PDF

Preface

An aging, overweight, sedentary baby boomer population is under siege. Approximately 58 million people die from cardiovascular diseases each year, nearly 1.2 million from heart attacks and 700,000 from strokes in the United States alone. Moreover, against a backdrop of world-wide pan-epidemics of obesity and metabolic syndrome, nearly one-third of the American population is at risk for developing diabetes, which is linked to cardiovascular disease and increased risk of premature death. The baby boomers' children also are at risk of developing premature cardiovascular disease, which is due in part to their inactive lifestyles and social behaviors. These uncomfortable statistics are likely to worsen in the future.

Therefore, it is critical to accelerate the wide-spread implementation of noninvasive imaging technology that reliably identifies surrogate markers of atherosclerosis and permits the detection of at-risk populations. This technology provides guideposts for instituting therapy and monitoring clinical responses.

Our book, Non-Invasive Surrogate Markers of Atherosclerosis, provides a survey of wide-ranging technology that can help physicians identify at-risk patients. My colleagues have synthesized their latest work in this field, and present it in an exciting and useful format. I am indebted to all of the contributors to this book for their tireless devotion to the advancement of medical care. On behalf of all of us, I also want to express sincere appreciation to our families and friends for their support, encouragement and belief in our work.

We all hope that this book will provide useful guidance that ultimately will help patients lead longer, healthier lives.