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Article: Coronary artery disease and electron-beam CT. (Directed Reading).(computed tomography)
- Article from:
- Radiologic Technology
- Article date:
- November 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Despite major advances in treatment and prevention, cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States, affecting 59 million Americans. (1) Because these patients often are middle aged, the monetary costs associated with these diseases are higher than for any other diagnosis. The cost of treatment and lost wages from coronary artery disease (CAD) alone totals an estimated $100 billion per year? (2,3)
Since 1963 CAD mortality has dropped 54%, accounting for about half of the overall decline in total mortality in the United States. (4) Nevertheless, CAD remains the single greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in ...