The cardiovascular pandemic is now advancing at an alarming pace in many parts of the world. Epidemiologists inform us that by 2020, cardiovascular disease will be responsible for 25 million deaths annually, 36% of all deaths, and for the first time in the history of our species, it will be the most common cause of death. Thus, cardiovascular disease may now be considered to be humankind's most serious health threat. The cardiovascular epidemic is advancing steadily in developing nations in Asia, Africa and South America with enormous and rapidly growing populations.