2012 Theme Issue on Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

OVER THE PAST CENTURY AS THE WEST TRANSItioned from an agrarian to an industrial economy, the nature of the dominant diseases afflicting humans changed from communicable to chronic conditions. During this epidemiologic transition, cardiovascular disease has ascended from an uncommon problem to its current position as the number one cause of death and disability worldwide. This transformation of human disease is continuing as regional economies develop and the global population ages. In many highincome countries the onset of some cardiovascular events is being delayed from middle to older age and more people are living longer with various forms of cardiovascular disease. In middleand lower-income countries the ascendancy of cardiovascular disease has been more rapid than in the West. Although some progress has been made in parts of the world in reversing trends in certain cardiovascular risk factors, major risk factors such as obesity are still on the rise globally. The emergence of this cardiovascular disease epidemic has led to amazing advances in understanding of its pathophysiology and improvements in treatment. Health care systems have evolved to deal with acute manifestations of chronic diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, improving survival and lessening disability. Secondary preventive strategies such as -blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have improved long-term management. Preventive and public health measures (eg, diet modification and exercise) have reduced the rates of incident myocardial infarction and stroke in the West. However, the challenges to deal with this global burden of risk factors and cardiovascular disease remain substantial. In November, as clinicians and scientists gather to exchange information and ideas about virtually all aspects of cardiovascular disease at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, JAMA will publish a theme issue on cardiovascular disease. We at JAMA view this as an opportunity to share with our worldwide readers, listeners, and viewers important new findings on understanding of cardiovascular disease as well as of major challenges and future directions in its prevention, treatment, and longer-term management. As we plan for this theme issue, authors are invited to submit manuscripts on any topic related to cardiovascular disease for consideration for this JAMA theme issue. A high priority will be given to manuscripts reporting results of major late-breaking clinical trials and other high-impact studies that will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions. These will be considered for simultaneous release at the time of the presentation. We are interested in high-quality clinically relevant original research that includes multicenter randomized trials and large-scale observational epidemiological studies. We also welcome scholarly work addressing how to expedite the adoption of effective cardiac therapies into clinical settings. Manuscripts on comparative effectiveness, application of cardiovascular disease treatments in clinical settings, prevention, and novel work that expands understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of cardiovascular disease will be considered. The effect of cardiovascular disease around the globe is also important to our readers. Interested authors should consult the Instructions for Authors for guidelines on preparation and submission of manuscripts. All submitted manuscripts will undergo JAMA’s usual rigorous editorial review and evaluation. Manuscripts received by July 1, 2012, will have the best chance for inclusion in the 2012 JAMA theme issue on cardiovascular disease. We encourage authors who anticipate presentation of late-breaking studies to communicate with editorial staff as early as possible.