About the Auther
The text often describes historical events that led up to certain hallmark discoveries; this is done to indicate to those interested in research that simple thoughts and perseverance bring fruits from research. It is my hope that this historical information will provide motivation and awakening of new interests in the solving of the patho-genesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management strategies of a variety of heart diseases.
Most important, at the end of topics discussed a section on research implications is provided. What is known and what is unknown is put in perspective. A prime example is the knowledge thatis available on the development of atheroma and atherothrombosis, a disease process respon¬sible for heart attacks, angina, sudden deaths, stroke intermittent claudication, and gangrene of the leg. The word atheroma is derived from the Greek word ‘‘athere’’ meaning porridge or gruel. Ancient Greek physiciansremoved plaques of atheroma that obstructed arteries, and cutting the plaque of atheroma revealed a gelatinous porridge-like material. We still know little about the growth of atheromatous obstructions in arteries that cause heart attacks and strokes.
This disease process is currently responsible for more than 14 million deaths annually worldwide and it is believed that this will increase to about 25 million deaths in the year 2020 in a population of 7.4 billion people. This widespread disease causes more deaths than all forms of cancer, diabetes, infections, and asthma and lung dis¬eases. Yet its prevention has defeated the medical profession because there is a relative paucity of research work done in this area. We desperately need technologic instruments to provide noninvasive detection of atheromatous obstruction in coronary arteries that presently can only be observed with certainty by coronary angiography, and invasive procedure; electron beam CT scanning to determine calcium scores is expensive and not sufficiently helpful.
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