Heart disease represents a highly relevant and epidemio- logically significant contributor to loss of quality and quantity of life. In Europe, cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes nearly half of all deaths or 4.3 million deaths a year [1]. CVD manifests itself in diseases such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. These diseases have a significant impact on the EU economy with an estimated cost of EUR 192 billion a year [1]. This significant financial burden is spread across community sectors with approximately 57 % of costs due to direct health care costs, 21 % due to productivity losses and 22 % due to the informal care of people with CVD. Thus, the early detection and prediction of the progression of CVD are key requirements toward improved treatment, a reduction in mortality and morbidity, and of course to reduce healthcare costs...