Cardiovascular Drugs

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a variety of ailments affecting more than 80 million Americans, including diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure, and congenital heart disease. CHD encompasses myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Arrhythmias and heart rhythm abnormalities are both a risk factor for and a consequence of CVD. CVD is the leading cause of death in America, accounting for approximately one out of every three deaths and over $300 billion in costs.

The prevalence of cardiovascular drug use mirrors the prevalence of CVD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 18 percent of adults aged 18 to 64 and 70 percent of people greater than 65 years old use a cardiovascular medication. ...