ABSTRACT
Heart muscle degeneration is the leading cause of debilitation and death in humans. It is the common pathway underlying congenital and infectious cardiomyopathies, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, angina, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease, all of which constitute the cardiovascular diseases. Global healthcare spending on the latter topped $280 billion in 2001. In the USA alone, approximately $ 186 billion is spent every year in treating some 60 million cardiovascular disease patients. About 50% of the patients suffering congestive heart failure will die within 5 years of diagnosis.
