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The need for improved prevention of sudden cardiac death has led physicians to increase the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Despite data now being available from a variety of studies, how to identify patients who will benefit most from this invasive and expensive therapy is still unclear. Here, the impact of findings on clinical decision-making is explored.
Cardiovascular disease is a major concern in elderly adults, particularly in those with age-related reductions in renal function. Physicians are often cautious when prescribing therapy because of the perceived frailty of older patients and limited understanding of adverse effects. This review tackles the issue of prescribing considerations in elderly patients with concomitant renal and cardiovascular disease.
The role of the rennin–angiotensin system was previously thought to be restricted to the cardiovascular system, but important roles in other tissues are coming to light. This review concentrates on this system's effects on hematopoiesis and presents a discussion of the clinical relevance and possible therapeutic applications in this context.
The complexity of the anatomy and physiology with which patients with congenital heart disease present in adulthood often exceed the expertise of physicians not trained specifically in congenital heart disease. In this viewpoint, Michael A Gatzoulis argues that education is the key to improving care of the growing population of adults with congenital heart disease.
The Women's Health Study seemed to contradict evidence from randomized trials of aspirin by identifying a sex-related difference in response to aspirin in cardiovascular disease. In this Viewpoint Hennekens et al. discuss the findings and argue that concluding that there are sex-related differences in response to aspirin could be premature.
The relationship between cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome is now well known but is not yet fully elucidated. In this review, Yuji Matsuzawa discusses the role of intra-abdominal visceral fat accumulation and the release of bioactive substances termed adipocytokines in the development of disorders contributing to the metabolic syndrome.
Disease markers for cardiovascular disease have radically altered thinking about diagnosis and monitoring of disease course. Although a substantial amount of information seems available already, new data are emerging all the time. This review provides a snapshot of the current status of biomarkers in heart failure and acute coronary syndromes.
Several gene mutations in ryanodine receptors, affecting channel gating, have been associated with certain arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy. In this review, the authors highlight the role of the ryanodine receptor, a Ca2+-release channel, in the pathogenesis of fatal arrhythmia and heart failure. They discuss also the possibility of this receptor as a new therapeutic target.
