Reuse of cardiac implantable electronic devices to improve and extend lives: a call to action

A dramatic increase in the heart disease burden has taken place in the last several decades. Cardiovascular disease is no longer the disease of the affluent world alone. According to WHO, at least three-quarters of the world’s deaths from cardiovascular disease occur in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).1 Patients in those countries, especially the poorest of the poor, experience enormous obstacles in access to essential medical care. Furthermore, disability from cardiovascular disease contributes to poverty through loss of income and high out-of-pocket expenditures. The World Bank views health as a developmental issue, having direct and indirect effects on economic growth.2 The Institute of Medicine has issued a call to action for partnership and collaboration among a range of public and private sector entities to address the crisis of rising cardiovascular disease.3 According to the report, inadequate access to advanced cardiovascular technologies is one of the...
Source: Heart Asia - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research