First of all, the escalating numbers of heart incidences should be recognized as the most pressing problem in this century. We and others have called for immediate action. There is no simple remedy. Because of this observation, worldwide, care providers have adapted diagnosis of the risks and management of the risks by therapeutic or minimally invasive procedures. These interventions, although reduce the premature mortality, will not reduce, reverse or prevent the increased incidence of these diseases.

Several clinical trials are demonstrating the beneficial effect of interventions of modifiable risk factors on the overall premature mortality. However, there are no such major prevention studies at the population level. Community-based Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention programs are based on the idea that if the population as a whole is targeted, even a modest risk factor and lifestyle change, would potentially have a substantial public health impact. I mentioned in an earlier discussion the importance of general annual checkups for the prevention of metabolic diseases.

These comments have been made and approved by Prof Gundu Rao, Emeritus Professor, University of Minnesota, for publication.