The Institute of Medicine has convened an ad hoc committee to study the evolving global epidemic of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and offer conclusions and recommendations pertinent to its control and to a range of public and private sector entities involved with global health and development. The study will synthesize and expand relevant evidence and knowledge based on findings from research and development, with an emphasis to developing pertinent concepts of global partnership, collaborations, and recommending actions targeted at global governmental organizations, NGOs, policy and decision makers, funding agencies, academic and research institutions, and the general public.