Vulnerable plaque is believed to be the major cause of heart attack. In fact, it is the culprit in up to 85% of all heart attacks, according to many cardiovascular researchers.

Since cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in the developed world, vulnerable plaque is very serious indeed. In America alone, CVD causes an average of one death every 34 seconds.

Another way to look at the problem: There are 1,400,000 heart attacks each year in the U.S., affecting one in every 100 people over the age of 35*. Over one million of them are believed to be caused by vulnerable plaque. It is no wonder that vulnerable plaque is becoming a major concern to cardiologists.

We are so accustomed to hearing about individuals being struck by a heart attack that it is difficult to imagine a time when that threat would no longer exist. But thanks to revolutionary advancements in medical technology, including the work of Prescient Medical, the time may not be far off.

* From the Oct. 14, 2003 issue of Circulation.