Health information is increasingly accessible on the Internet and paper-based journals are looking dated. That is not to say they are finished – after all, the demise of print has been erroneously predicted for over a decade. However, when investigators seek out research in their field, they usually turn to online search engines such as PubMed or Google Scholar and pick individual articles that fulfil their need. The general medical journals, such as JRSM and BMJ, still have their place for a broader appeal but cannot possibly publish all the research undertaken in specialist fields – nor should they be expected to.
With this in mind, the Royal Society of Medicine Press today launches a new online, author-pays journal meeting the specific needs of the cardiovascular research community.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major problem and is predicted to be particularly so in emerging markets over the course of this century. More people die of CVD than any other condition worldwide. Most recent estimates from the World Health Organization suggest that CVD accounts for 30% of all global deaths, with 80% of those affected from low-to-middle-income countries. The number of individuals affected currently is staggering: ∼14 million deaths per year from heart disease and stroke alone. And yet the solution lies in ourselves, with individual behaviour accounting for nearly 80% of occurrence.
There is an impressive amount of research being conducted in heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and hypertension – to name just a few of the conditions that come under the umbrella of CVD. Publishing good research can be hampered by page constraints of print journals. JRSM Cardiovascular Disease has no such constraints and aims to publish research as soon as manuscripts have been accepted. We will consider a wide range of papers including review articles, original research, protocol papers and case reports. Manuscripts from either clinical or basic science fields will be welcome.
Our journal seeks to fill the gap left by the highest-ranking cardiovascular journals that do not have sufficient space to take all the good research papers submitted to them. We have amassed an impressive international editorial board (http://cvd.rsmjournals.com/site/misc/edboard.xhtml) to guide and advise us as our history is created. The Royal Society of Medicine has an enviable reputation in the field of medical science and education and this new journal, in partnership with the London Cardiovascular Society, aims to add to that reputation. However, its success can only be assured by the support of the cardiovascular research community.
We look forward to receiving your work.
DECLARATIONS
Competing interests
PS is the Editor of JRSM Cardiovascular Disease
Funding
None
Ethical approval
Not applicable
Guarantor
PS
Contributorship
PS conceived and wrote this article
Acknowledgements
None