Journal of

Background and Aim: Today, cardiovascular diseases are the most important public health challenges in the world. Prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases necessitate the existence of a comprehensive system for recording data. Patient medical document is one of the most important data which should be classified so to facilitate and expedite the treatment process. A comparison of cardiovascular disease classification systems could assist health care policy makers to battle cardiovascular diseases.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive-comparative study conducted during years 2007-2008. The cardiovascular diseases classification systems in USA, Australia, England and Canada were reviewed. Data collecting was done through literature review, Internet and e-mail.

Results : The cardiovascular disease classification systems of all the developed countries are national. The developed countries, with the exception of England, utilize a multiracial classification model, especially designed to reflect the individual requirements of every single one of them. This model employs health care standards, e-learning, annual educational programs, and consultation with experts. Iran lacks such a national classification system for cardiovascular diseases.

Discussion and Conclusion : In order to improve the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Iran, it is essential that the cardiovascular disease classification system in the country be national.