Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing approximately 647,000 Americans each year. It’s also expensive, accounting for more in health care expenditures — $190 billion annually — than any other diagnostic group.
Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the inner lining of arteries, is a primary driver of cardiovascular disease. There are two main treatment options. Statins, prescription drugs that lower levels of the blood cholesterol responsible for plaque formation, can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, but they are not targeted to the diseased artery. Stents — tiny tubes that keep blocked arteries open — are targeted, but their invasive nature poses serious risks to the patient.
