[Arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease--a hundred years later].
Within the last century, cardiovascular medicine has seen incredible progress. In 1904 history and physical examination were the sole diagnostic tools, and only lifestyle changes and a few effective medications could be recommended therapeutically. In 2004, however, nearly every vascular region can be visualized and treated either medically, interventionally or surgically. And treatment is not only based upon expert consensus but often on evidence-based recommendations. In view of the demographic development, cardiovascular medicine in the following decades will be able to provide great benefit to the elderly population as regards quality of life and autonomy -- at the prize, though, of increasing socioeconomic challenges that society will have to face.
Werdan
Karl
K
karl.werdan@medizin.uni-halle.de
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002309:Cardiology / Q000639:trends*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003710:Demography; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans