A systems approach to cardiovascular disease research

Abstract

Johnson, A. P. (Department of Pathology, West Wales General Hospital, Carmarthen, Wales) and Elwood, P. C. A systems approach to cardiovascular disease research. International Journal of Epidemiology 1976, 5: 255-258.Research in cardiovascular disease is fragmented and difficulties arise in communication between workers in different disciplines. There is no shortage of facts but rather a deficiency in concepts which can accommodate the facts.Systems analysis is suggested as a way to develop a conceptual framework for the assimilation of existing and new information, and to give a basis for decisions about priorities in research. A model of mechanisms in cardiovascular disease is presented to illustrate the approach. © 1976 Oxford University Press.