Why Research Matters

Research is the starting point for all medical progress.

Finding ways to prevent, treat and cure heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases depend on medical research. But despite major advances in treatment, there is no cure for this country's No. 1 killer and major cause of permanent disability.

Heart disease and stroke still afflict our families and friends in epidemic proportions. As the baby boomers age, the number of Americans suffering from these devastating diseases will increase substantially.

Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases remain the No. 1 killer of Americans and a major cause of permanent disability.

Heart disease, alone, is America's No. 1 killer
Stroke is the No. 3 killer
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans of all ages suffer from one or more cardiovascular diseases
These diseases are major causes of permanent disability
Cardiovascular diseases will cost Americans an estimated $394 billion in 2005 - more than any other disease

Despite the enormous costs and burden these diseases place on our country, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continues to invest just 7 percent of its budget on heart disease research, and a mere 1 percent of its budget on stroke research.

Research

Research has demonstrated that avoiding key risk behaviors and receiving early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent a significant portion of death and disability caused by heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

NIH research provides cutting-edge treatment and prevention strategies.

Some exciting recent heart disease and stroke news:

Obesity is a strong and independent risk factor for heart failure
Robotically assisted cardiac surgery successfully corrects heart defects
There are links between people carrying specific genes and their risk for certain types of stroke

Contact your elected leaders and urge them to save lives by investing in heart disease and stroke research.

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