Gerald R. Ford

“ Diseases of the heart and blood vessels remain our Nation's most urgent health problem. These disorders afflict an estimated 28.5 million Americans and cause more than a million deaths each year, about a quarter of which occur among persons under age 65. ”

“ In the forefront of the continuing struggle against heart and blood vessel diseases are the National Heart and Lung Institute, a federal agency, and the American Heart Association, a privately-supported voluntary health organization. Their efforts and contributions in the areas of research, training of professionals, including the development of continuing education programs, and community service activities demonstrate what can be achieved when the private and public sectors unite for a common purpose. ”

“ We have learned more about the cardiovascular system and its diseases in the past 25 years than during all previous years of medical history. During this same quarter-century, the overall mortality rate from these diseases has declined by about 25 percent. ”