8.5 How things change

Despite the advances made in cardiac care over the previous century, it is thought that the global epidemic of cardiovascular diseases is both increasing (see Table 5) and shifting from developed to developing countries (Mackay and Mensah, 2004). While treatments are available for some cardiovascular disease patients, prevention must remain a priority through the reduction of known risk factors. Whether or not people have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, taking account of the risk factors and minimising them where possible should result in positive changes and improved health in individuals and their families.