MEASURES TO IMPROVE PRECLINICAL RESEARCH CONDUCTED TO IMPROVE THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. The worldwide burden of CVD is still high despite tremendous advancements in diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the critical need for more thorough and efficient preventative measures. The purpose of this narrative summary is to assess the existing cornerstones of cardiovascular prevention critically, point out areas where current methods fall short, and suggest possible future paths. The majority of deaths worldwide are caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD), which primarily affects low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Globally, primary and secondary prevention of CVD is not at its best, but in LMICs, the gaps between evidence and practice are considerably more noticeable. Optimal primary and secondary prevention cannot be implemented due to obstacles at the patient, healthcare practitioner, and health system levels. To develop successful methods to close the observed evidence-practice gaps, it is essential to identify the specific obstacles that occur in settings with limited resources. Additionally, the greatest improvements in mortality reduction will come from focusing on the modifiable factors—such as tobacco use, hypertension, and secondary prevention for CVD—that contribute most significantly to the worldwide burden of CVD. We examine a few innovative, resource-efficient approaches to lower premature mortality from CVD, such as: (1) efficient tobacco control measures; (2) the use of simplified screening and management algorithms for individuals with or at risk of CVD; (3) expanding the availability and affordability of simplified and cost-effective treatment regimens, such as combination CVD preventive drug therapy; and (4) streamlining health care delivery through task-sharing (non-physician health workers) and improving self-management (treatment supporters). Significant decreases in CVD and associated mortality will result from the development and implementation of care systems that overcome the aforementioned obstacles.