Abstract:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most critical area in human health. Eliminating heart attack alone would extend human life with 16.6 years on average. Significant advances in CVD are crucial, specifically due to the increased prevalence with age. Despite meaningful progress in the identification of risk factors and the development of highly effective clinical tools, myocardial infarction and stroke continue to occur in the majority of the patients.
The epidemiological and seroepidemiological evidence accumulated so far points at infections as contributing factor for CVD. In addition, we recently identified in clinical atherosclerotic specimens live bacterial strains, potential targets for both diagnosis and treatment. Thus, we now have for the first time compelling evidence of the most important segment of the microbial community associated with humankind, the atherosclerosis microbiome. This advancement brings forth an entirely new set of opportunities to address a priority area of human wellbeing, for advancing medicine and biotechnology.
In particular, these developments will lead to development of innovative approaches for diagnosis and treatment of CVD. Most importantly, they will enable the introduction of the principles of the personalized medicine in a critical area of medical sciences. Proper communication of the latest developments, both to the public and in the professional institutions of higher learning will alleviate the most complex problem for public health, improve quality of life and extend human lifespan.

Keywords:

Medical education, cardiovascular disease, prevention.