Aterosclerosis, factores de riesgo vascular y prevenciôn de la cardiopatia isquémica

The number one cause of death in the world (especially the developed world) is atherosclerosis in its different forms (ischemic heart disease, stroke and syndromes involving chronic ischemia of peripheral vessels). Its treatment must be based on a better understanding of its aetiology, pathogenic mechanisms and progression, together with up-to-date knowledge of vascular risk factors and the possibility of their being modified, if we are to prevent them from appearing (primary prevention) or progressing (secondary prevention).