Preface

Vascular disease is the commonest cause of death in Westernized countries and its incidence is on the increase in developing countries. It follows that considerable research is directed at establishing effective treatment for acute vascular events. Long-term treatment has also received considerable attention (e.g. for symptomatic relief). Furthermore, effective prevention, whether primary or secondary, is backed by the findings of several landmark trials that evaluated several drugs. Vascular disease is a complex field with primary care physicians and nurse practitioners as well as several specialties involved. The latter include cardiology, vascular and cardiothoracic surgery, general medicine, radiology, clinical pharmacology and neurology (stroke units). Vascular Disease Prevention will publish reviews as well as papers to update all those concerned with some aspect of vascular disease (treatment and research). In addition to clinically relevant topics we will consider 'research-based' reviews dealing with future developments and potential drug targets. Therefore, another function of Vascular Disease Prevention is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing basic or clinical research. Debates will be encouraged in the correspondence section. This section should not only be used to refute findings but also to support or reinterpret them. Some editors believe that the correspondence section is an opportunity for another level of peer review. It follows that a busy correspondence section is a valued part of any journal. My editorial colleagues and I will do everything possible to provide a rapid turnover of the material submitted. The journal is divided into several sections lead by one or more editors. Therefore, submitted texts are more likely to be dealt with rapidly and with the benefit of expert knowledge in that specific field. We intend to expand the editorial sections as we become more familiar with the needs of our authors. We have every intention to be as flexible as possible to accommodate the needs of the authors. Too many journals insist on unrealistic restrictions (e.g. number of words) that make the job of authors even harder than what it already is. Historically, Vascular Disease Prevention follows the very successful launch last year of Current Vascular Pharmacology, a review only journal. It became very obvious that there was a need to include a wider scope and to allow papers as well as reviews. The two journals Vascular Disease Prevention and Current Vascular Pharmacology are intended to compliment each other. Finally, I thank Bentham Science Publishers, and in particular Dr Matthew Honan, for supporting the concept behind this journal. Bentham Science Publishers have an enviable record of launching successful journals that achieve impressive impact factors. I hope that Vascular Disease Prevention will maintain this tradition. From the enthusiastic response to the invitations, I feel confident that with the help of our authors we will maintain this tradition.