Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke, heart failure…) are the leading cause of death worldwide and a major source of disability. Recent research in this area has delivered significant advances in survival rates and in preserving and improving quality of life. With this in mind, the BBVA Foundation and Hospital Clínico San Carlos have launched a publication without precedents in Spain combining rigorous information couched in plain language with carefully selected images.

The goal of this publication, which also has been published in print edition, is twofold. Firstly, to encourage prevention, since cardiovascular risk factors—hypertension, sedentarism, obesity, atherosclerosis, smoking, etc.—can be fought off by healthy habits and lifestyles that contribute positively to the individual’s wellbeing. And secondly, to give patients and their families a handy practical guide where they can find the information they need to participate in clinical decisions and the care of their own health.