Jimmy Carter

“ Diseases of the heart and blood vessels afflict some thirty million Americans. Each year cardiovascular disorders claim nearly one million lives and cost our economy nearly forty-eight billion dollars in lost wages, lost productivity, and medical expenses. ”

“ During these thirty years, an immense amount of new knowledge about the cardiovascular system and its diseases has been amassed and much of it has found application in better methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. ”

“ In addition, many Americans have modified their diets, established sensible and regular exercise programs, changed their smoking habits, or have otherwise altered their lifestyles 'to achieve better cardiovascular health. As a result, mortality rates have declined steadily since 1950 in nearly all major cardiovascular disease categories and the total number of deaths among Americans from these diseases is the lowest it has been since 1965. ”