Therapeutic Potential of Adenosine Transport Modulators forCardiovascular Protection

Cardiovascular disease including stroke is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide [1] and an enormous economic burden to our societies [2]. Based on the latest statistics released for heart and stroke disease, an estimated 83,600,000 adults in the United State (US) (>30%) have one or more types of cardiovascular disease (CVD) of whom more than 90% have hypertension, 18% have coronary heart disease (CHD), close to 10% have myocardial infarction (MI) and 8% have stroke. The total direct and indirect cost in the US alone for treatment of cardiovascular diseases (hospitalization, drugs, home healthcare, etc.) and loss of productivity and morbidity is estimated at close to $315 billion US per year [3]. Thus prevention by improving diagnosis and drug treatment strategies could provide a huge saving for the health care cost worldwide.