ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is classified as diseases relating to the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins) [1]. According to the World Health Organization, CVD has been the leading cause of deaths in most countries and will likely remain the top killer in the near future. CVD claimed the lives of 17.5 million people in 2005, accounting for 30% of all deaths, among which 12.9 million were due to either coronary heart disease or stroke [2]. Despite major advances in the treatment of CVD such as coronary artery disease (CAD), a large number of victims who appear to be healthy die suddenly of the disease without obvious prior symptoms. Nearly two-thirds of the people who have a heart attack die before they can reach medical care. Even when stroke patients managed to get modern, advanced treatment, 60% die or become disabled [3].
