Cardiovascular diseases
BMS is leading in the development of groundbreaking therapies for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
What do we do in the field of cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases include all diseases that affect the cardiovascular system and the blood and lymphatic vessels, such as myocardial infarction, stroke and venous thromboembolism.
In the Netherlands, there are about 1.7 million people with cardiovascular diseases.1
- 372,000 people live with the consequences of a cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction.
- Every day, about 95 people are hospitalized with a heart attack.
Early detection of these diseases, treatment of risk factors and prevention are important to limit the impact of cardiovascular diseases. Current research at Bristol Myers Squibb is therefore focused on the development of therapies for stroke prevention and the treatment of venous thromboembolism. Stroke prevention focuses on atrial fibrillation, one of the major stroke risk factors.
One of our key areas of focus is stroke prevention, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke. In addition, we are dedicated to researching and treating other complex cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is often a genetic condition, with the majority of cases having a genetic basis. It impacts heart structure and function and can pose significant challenges for both patients and the healthcare system.
By addressing these critical areas, we aim to improve the quality of life for those affected by cardiovascular diseases.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary heart disease, affecting approximately 1 in 500 people. The disease affects people all over the world - regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity - and represents a major burden for patients, families, the healthcare system, and society.
Therefore, awareness of HCM is of vital importance. Its genetic nature means the diagnosis often has implications for entire families. On average, 90% of people with HCM have one or more family members with a mild or early form of the condition, sometimes without even showing symptoms.
While many individuals with HCM do not develop symptoms until adulthood, in some cases, symptoms may appear earlier. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, even among members of the same family. One person may experience mild or no symptoms, while another faces significant challenges due to the condition. This variability underscores the importance of early detection, comprehensive care, and ongoing support for patients and their families.
Despite its impact, HCM receives little policy attention, and practitioners are generally not familiar with its diagnosis and treatment. Strengthening awareness and education is crucial to improving outcomes for those affected.
Our dedicated HCM page provides more information about HCM, such as clinical picture, diagnosis and pathophysiology.
One of the most common causes of stroke is AF. In the Netherlands, about 400,000 AF patients are treated with anticoagulation every year to reduce the risk of stroke. The actual number of patients with AF is probably much higher, about 500,000 patients. This is because many patients have not yet been diagnosed. A large number of patients have no symptoms, do not visit their GP for it or are only diagnosed after a first stroke or TIA.
Important organizations
The organization helps people with cardiovascular diseases and their loved ones with practical, social and emotional support. Harteraad represents the interests of 1.5 million people with cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiomyopathy Research Netherlands
Cardiomyopathy Research Netherlands is a national foundation for patients with cardiomyopathy, their loved ones and healthcare professionals. Patients and physician-researchers are working together to find an answer and solution for the congenital and genetic heart muscle disorder cardiomyopathy.