Heart Disease is the Most Dreaded Aging Disease

Members of The Science Advisory Board were polled as to which of these diseases they think would be most effectively targeted by current anti-aging research. Over half of the 705 respondents believe that heart disease could be deterred, delayed or prevented from discoveries emanating from this research.

ARLINGTON, VA -- October 24, 2002 -- Aging is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors including life style, food preferences, physical activity, and diseases. It is a multifactorial process characterized by a progressive reduction in function that occurs from maturity to death. A number of disability and life-threatening diseases are associated with the aging process. Members of The Science Advisory Board were polled as to which of these diseases they think would be most effectively targeted by current anti-aging research. Over half of the 705 respondents believe that heart disease could be deterred, delayed or prevented from discoveries emanating from this research. Arthritis came in second with 20% of the vote, followed by 15% for diabetes and 13% for osteoporosis.

Anti-aging researchers focus on developing new drugs to cure or effectively manage a wide variety of diseases and disorders. These results support reflect the impact of heart disease on the population and its notoriety as the number one leading cause of death in the United States and other developed countries," observes Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of Scientific & Medical Communications at The Science Advisory Board. According to the American Heart Association, the estimated cost for heart disease in the United States last year was $298.2 billion. This figure includes $181.8 billion for direct medical costs, $28.6 billion for indirect costs of lost productivity due to illness, and $87.8 billion for indirect costs of lost productivity due to premature death. Currently, the pharmaceutical industry is testing almost 122 potential drugs for heart disease. Members of The Science Advisory Board clearly support a significant research emphasis on cardiovascular disease of the elderly.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 13,200 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. The Science Advisory Board is currently conducting ongoing studies in other exciting areas of the life sciences. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research and consulting firm located in Arlington, VA.

CONTACT:

Dr. Tamara Zemlo

Director, Scientific & Medical Communications

The Science Advisory Board

2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1200

Arlington, VA 22201

703.525.3872 x360 phone

t.zemlo@scienceboard.net

http://www.scienceboard.net