
Over 126 million people are affected by cardiovascular disease worldwide.
That number grows each year, increasing the need for additional treatment options. We’re constantly researching ways to fight heart disease and have been leading the way in cardiovascular research for over 60 years. We’re committed to continuing our research in the hopes of improving patient care.
Cardiovascular Disease
The most common type of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease, which causes heart attacksHeart attackWhen blood flow to part of the heart is suddenly blocked and some heart cells die. Also called Myocardial infarction and strokesStrokeDamage to brain tissue caused when there is not enough blood flow to part of the brain. Also called Cerebrovascular accident (CVA); Cerebral infarction. However, the term cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes all conditions that affect the heart and may include other organ or molecular systems (like blood lipids, coagulation and thrombosisThrombosisBlood clot formation; presence of a blood clot in blood vessel, kidneysKidneysOrgans in the abdomen that filter blood and make urine to remove waste, and lungs, as related to circulation of blood). Additionally, conditions like high blood pressure may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Merck is researching a range of conditions that patients experience related to cardiovascular disease.