Cardiovascular medicine Books

Book SynopsisThis book highlights the current importance of aortic aneurysms, their clinical presentations and methods of management. The book focuses on different segments of the aorta from the aortic root to the abdominal aorta. Not only are the clinical and pathological conditions included in this book, but also the basic immunopathology of the aortic aneurysms are thoroughly discussed. We highlight the importance of the understanding the basic pathophysiology of the aneurysm formation, presentation and therefore management of each pathology. The presentation of each aortic segment aneurysm varies depending on the acute pathology. There are often such cases when these aneurysms are found accidentally while the patients are being scanned for other non-aortic conditions. Throughout the chapters of this book, we have aimed to simplify the understanding of the aortic aneurysm, its clinical manifestations and methods of diagnosis and options of surgical interventions in each case. This book serves as an important tool for those who have a special interest in aortic surgery.Table of ContentsPreface; Immunopathology of Aortic Aneurysms; Endovascular Stent Grafting of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Morphology, Risk Factors, Management and Image-Based Modeling Strategies; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn this compilation, the pathogenesis and interrelationships of metabolic abnormalities are discussed, particularly their impact on cardiovascular disease, as well as the role of excess adiposity in metabolic derange. The authors discuss the literature on polycystic ovary syndrome and cardio-metabolic risk factors, providing recommendations that would be helpful for healthcare providers and policy makers. Additionally, the aspects of nutritional habits associated to an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in the obese population are addressed.Table of ContentsPreface; Cardiometabolic Diseases and Risk Factors; Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Cardiometabolic Risks Related to Obesity: Potential Effects of Nutritional Habits; Index.

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Book SynopsisVolume 20 first explores preventive cardiology, a new subspecialty in cardiovascular medicine, discussing how it is possible to modify lifestyle and coronary risk factors well in advance of clinical events. The authors describes an approach to echocardiography of the aortic arch for reliable demonstration of the arch segments while reducing confounding from a patent ductus arteriosus. This compilation goes on to discuss intravascular ultrasound, which complements the conventional angiographic study and allows for the acquirement of high definition images of arteries for the evaluation of atheroma plaques. Additionally, a brief presentation of the X-ray angiography image processing methods is provided. The perioperative use of dexmedetomidine in cardiac surgery, specifically its role in early extubation, delirium management, and reducing morbidity is assessed. Evidence-based treatments for secondary prevention of ischemic heart diseases are described, including the use of antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins, as well as lifestyle modifications. The authors propose that the assessment of renal function in patients with heart failure is very important because it can reflect their hemodynamic status and provide a better prognostic score. The authors describe some of the common drug-related problems in patients with cardiovascular diseases, as well as their consequences, so as to identify patients who may be at risk and review several interventions designed to limit their occurrence. The closing study discusses how, to further evaluate for an aortic dissection, additional official radiologic studies likely need to be obtained to aid in diagnosis and operative planning.Table of ContentsPreface; Preventive Cardiology: A New Subspecialty in Cardiovascular Medicine; Echocardiographic Imaging of the Aortic Arch: Diagnostic Approach and Technical Considerations for Anatomic Variation and Pathology; Intravascular Ultrasound: Method, Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages; Medical Imagistics of the Vascular Diseases; Dexmedetomidine in Cardiac Surgery; The Current World of Prescribing According to Acute Coronary Syndrome Guidelines; The Significance of the Kidney in Heart Failure; Drug-Related Problems in Cardiovascular Diseases; Aortic Dissection (AD): Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors and Treatment Options; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book describes the different aspects of aortic valve including comprehensive discussion of the state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging options, disease risk stratification, selection of candidates for valve repair or percutaneous intervention, and most recent therapeutic options. The growing prevalence of valvular heart disease represents a major challenge in terms of short- and long-term management and surveillance. Aortic valve diseases, including aortic stenosis and regurgitation, are among the most frequent of these, while the number of cases of aortic root disease is also on the rise. Aortic valve disease treatment options include valve surgery, valve repair, minimally invasive valve surgery, and percutaneous approaches and all are covered in this volume. Perspective in Aortic Valve Disease is a highly illustrated, case oriented reference aimed at cardiology fellows in training, while also helpful to surgeons, cardiologists, imagers, interventionalists, as well as other clinicians and students involved in the diagnosis and treatment of aortic valve and root diseases.

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Book SynopsisThis monograph comprises seven chapters, each detailing recent advancements in the field of cardiovascular research. Chapter One describes the various benefits that progesterone has on the cardiovascular system. Chapter Two aims to describe congenital heart disease in well-characterised syndromes and update the possible causes of genetic origin. Chapter Three aims to update and review the hemodynamic evaluation and percutaneous intervention in congenital heart disease. Chapter Four is focused on the evaluation and treatment of intermediate coronary plaque. Chapter Five presents a review of the literature on the field of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and analyses several factors regarding the management of such cases. Chapter Six aims to identify predictors of the vulnerability and assessment in dynamics of the morphology of coronary plaques in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Finally, Chapter Seven reports on the case of a patient with rheumatic heart disease who underwent double valve replacement and incidentally was diagnosed with emphysematous pyelonephritis during his post-operative course in the hospital.Table of ContentsPreface; Discoveries and Advances in the Effects of Progesterone on the Cardiovascular System; Congenital Heart Disease Associated with Well-Characterized Genetic Syndromes; Percutaneous Intervention and Hemodynamic Assessment in Congenital Heart Diseases; Evaluation and Treatment of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque with Intermediate Stenosis; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Post Endovascular Aortic Repair; Vulnerable Plaques in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease; Incidental Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in a Double Valve Replacement: A Rare Case Report; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book is based on firsthand experience gained by the author and her research team during many years of experimental studies, supported by the analysis of abundant literature published between 1970 and 1999. It deals with the comparative assessment of ischemic and reperfusion injuries and their mechanisms in vitally important organs differing in their sensitivity to oxygen deficiency, metabolic activity, and provision with radical-generating and antioxidant system. A distinctive feature of the monograph, compared to previous studies in this field, is that attention is focused on the role of free-radical reactions, their place among other damaging factors (disturbances of energy metabolism, intensification of lipolysis and phospholipolysis, etc), a detailed analysis of mechanisms responsible for the formation of free radicals during ischemia (the roles of electron transport pathways, radical-generating enzymes, macrophages, endothelial cells, etc) and a general review of modern methods of antiradical and antischemic therapy. None of the books published to date is characterised by such an approach to the problem.

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Book SynopsisAngiogenesis -- the growth of new blood vessels -- is an important natural process occurring in the body, both for health and as related to disease. Angiogenesis occurs in the healthy body to help heal wounds and to help restore blood flow to tissues after injury or insult. In females, angiogenesis also occurs during the monthly reproductive cycle (to rebuild the uterus lining, to mature the egg during ovulation) and during pregnancy (to build the placenta, the circulation between mother and foetus). The healthy body controls angiogenesis through a series of "on" and "off" switches. The main "on" switches are known as angiogenesis-stimulating growth factors. The main "off switches" are known as angiogenesis inhibitors. When angiogenic growth factors are produced in excess of angiogenesis inhibitors the balance is tipped in favour of blood vessel growth. When inhibitors are present in excess of stimulators, angiogenesis is stopped. The normal, healthy body maintains a perfect balance of angiogenesis modulators. In general, angiogenesis is "turned off" by the production of more inhibitors than stimulators. Tumour angiogenesis is the proliferation of a network of blood vessels that penetrates into cancerous growths, supplying nutrients and oxygen and removing waste products. Tumour angiogenesis actually starts with cancerous tumour cells releasing molecules that send signals to surrounding normal host tissue. This signalling activates certain genes in the host tissue that, in turn, cause proteins to encourage growth of new blood vessels. This new book examines its angiogenesis within the context of theory and its applications to cancer treatment.

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Book SynopsisIn recent years, a substantial number of imaging studies have addressed the neuronal processes underlying recovery after stroke. Although difficult to achieve, several longitudinal studies assessed both clinical recovery and imaging patterns over time and give important inside into the plasticity of the stroked brain. This tendency is supported by the fact that it has become possible to depict biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. Of primary interest is the development of methods using MRI and PET with which the different kinds of progress of therapy in acute ischemic stroke can be monitored and graphically displayed. The emerging studies of brain plasticity and its modulation by drugs and other therapies indicate potentially useful approaches to the rehabilitation of adults with brain damage, including damage resulting from cerebral ischaemia. State-of-the-art imaging technology is already being developed to image genes and their impact on cellular function in laboratory animals. Eventually, this may also be possible in humans. Main attention is given to imaging the post-stroke phase and its implication on treatment. This book gives important insight in the future of imaging in stroke and their interaction with clinical aspects. Stroke care has become a specialised field, requiring input from different sub-specialists forming a multidisciplinary team.

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Book SynopsisThe contents of this volume focuses on the relationship between passive smoking and cardiovascular pathology. Findings concerning the harmful effects of passive smoking, namely isolated or public exposure to someone else''s smoking, began in the 1970''s. This book reflects the current views on the relationship between cardiovascular pathology and passive smoking providing the main achievements obtained with the findings on the subject. The book presents the factors that influence negatively both a normal and diseased heart and blood vessels of non-smokers exposed to environmental smoking by means of different chapters structured with a sequence that begin from normal patterns until reaching the final step: irreversible damage of the heart and blood vessels.

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Book SynopsisAngiotensin is an oligopeptide in the blood that causes vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, and release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. It is a hormone and a powerful dipsogen. It is derived from the precursor molecule angiotensinogen, a serum globulin produced in the liver. It plays an important role in the renin-angiotensin system. This book presents the latest research advances in the field.

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Book SynopsisA congenital heart defect (CHD) is a defect in the structure of the heart and great vessels of a new-born. Most heart defects either obstruct blood flow in the heart or vessels near it or cause blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern, although other defects affecting heart rhythm (such as long QT syndrome) can also occur. Heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. This book presents the latest research in the field from around the world.

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Book SynopsisAn aneurysm is a localised dilation of the wall of a blood vessel, usually caused by atherosclerosis and hypertension, or less frequently, by trauma, infection or a congenital weakness in the vessel wall. Aneurysms most commonly occur in arteries at the base of the brain and in the aorta. As the size of the aneurysm increases, there is an increased risk of rupture, which can result in severe haemorrhage and other complications including sudden death. This book describes different types of aneurysms, their causes, diagnosis and how they can be treated.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original research results on the leading edge of cardiovascular research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum.

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Book SynopsisThis yearbook presents important research in the field of cardiovascular research from around the world. Particular emphasis is placed on circadian medicine and its relationship to cardiovascular events as well as other new areas such as gene therapy in heart disease.

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Book SynopsisAlthough COPD is a major disease world-wide, there is a perplexing current uncertainty about the nature of this disease. COPD is characterised at onset and prevalently by the involvement of the lungs and bronchi, but as the disease evolves, abnormalities develop in other organs and systems and the question arises: what is the pathogenesis of these respiratory and systemic impairments? Are the alterations that occur outside the respiratory system in the course of COPD a direct consequence of the lung pathology or is the lung simply the local expression of a pathological event whose origin lies in the organism as a whole? There is currently a growing debate about whether COPD and all its comorbidities should be considered as a pulmonary disease with systemic implications or whether it should come under a new umbrella term -- chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome -- because the systemic effects of smoking contribute to several other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and increased blood pressure.

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Book SynopsisCardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis (arterial disease). Chronic heart failure (CHF) has emerged as a major world-wide epidemic. Recently, a fundamental shift in the underlying aetiology of CHF is becoming evident, in which the most common cause is no longer hypertension or valvular disease, but rather long-term survival after acute myocardial infarction. Chronic artery disease (CAD) is the cause of CHF in the majority of patients, and CHF is the only mode of CAD presentation associated with increasing incidence of mortality. This new and important book gathers the latest research in cardiovascular disease with a focus on such topics as: diabetic cardiomyopathy, the promise of biological pacemakers, stem cells and repairs of the heart, cardiac autonomic function and sports activity, "tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy" and others.

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Book SynopsisThe annual incidence of sudden cardiac deaths in the United States is about 300,000 cases. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) remains an important cause of sudden death both in hospitals and in the community contributing to about half of these cases, although in monitored setting with rapid response times, VF is the presenting rhythm in almost three quarters of these patients. Despite an overall declining trend in the incidence of VF, the management of the arrhythmia remains challenging due to the fact that the event is usually unexpected and almost certainly lethal in the absence of resuscitation within the first few minutes. There has been a dramatic improvement in survival from VF due to the introduction of defibrillation as a part of resuscitation but in a significant proportion of patients, the process of resuscitation proves futile due to lack of return of spontaneous circulation or significant neurological disability caused by cerebral anoxia.

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Book SynopsisCongenital Heart Diseases are of the utmost importance in modern cardiology. This is a book that deals with essential matters which are developed by experienced researchers in their respective fields. An updated approach to these issues was largely sought after. The authors share their own papers and experience with the enthusiastic professionals reading their work all throughout the chapters in an easy-to-read format. Modern medical practice demands continuous research on specific topics. Thereafter, this book is devoted to the development of the coronary arteries facing the fact that coronary artery disease is the most common cause of mortality in the developed world. The role of the estrogen receptor and transforming growth factors in coronary intimal hyperplasia and thorough descriptions of new diagnostic techniques in congenital heart diseases are also displayed (severe congenital heart defects are generally diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after birth while less severe defects often are not diagnosed until children are older). Accordingly, complex malformations of the heart, fetal arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension are also included. In as much as other specific subjects are relevant as well, topics like an etiological overview of intrauterine ductus arteriosus constriction, restrictive cardiomyopathy in children or hybrid procedures for congenital heart disease, namely palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, closure of muscular ventricular septal defect and stenting of branch pulmonary arteries are developed as well. Last but not least, the long-term outcomes of congenital heart diseases, including medical, interventional and emergency treatments, are examined.

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Book SynopsisIt is well established that the vascular endothelium consists of a single layer of endothelial cells (ECs) that lines the entire vascular system, which plays an important role in vascular homeostasis, immune and inflammatory reactions. The endothelial cells exert significant autocrine, paracrine and endocrine actions and influence smooth muscle cells, platelets and peripheral leucocytes. It represents an important barrier between the blood and the underlying interstitium and cells and has a major role in the regulation of vascular tone, producing several vasoactive mediators. This book examines up-to-date research regarding the role of endothelial functions in terms of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations.

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Book SynopsisCardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis. Chronic heart failure (CHF) has emerged as a major world-wide epidemic. This book gathers the latest research in cardiovascular disease with a focus on such topics as electrical restitution and ventricular tachyarrhythmia; radiation hazards in cardiac intervention; surgical management of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation; platelet biology in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and the role of HMGB1 in cardiac dysfunction during septic shock.

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Book SynopsisPulmonary hypertension is a complex disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality and is clinically characterised by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. The histopathology is marked by vascular proliferation/fibrosis, remodelling, and vessel obstruction. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Topics discussed include the pathophysiology of Eisenmenger Syndrome (ES) and an evaluation of differences between ES and pulmonary arterial hypertension; pulmonary endarterectomy as an effective treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; liver transplantation and pulmonary hypertension and the possible aetiologies of pulmonary hypertension in Down Syndrome children.

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Book SynopsisCardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis (arterial disease). Chronic heart failure (CHF) has emerged as a major world-wide epidemic. This new and important book gathers the latest research in cardiovascular disease with a focus on such topics as: drug-induced valvular heart disease; cardiac pacing and cognition; oral bacteria in the hearts of patients with valvular disease; bicuspid aortic valve in athletes; chronic persistent infections as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease; rheumatic valvulopathy; shared susceptibility genes of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease; and others.

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Book SynopsisThis continuing series gathers and presents original research results on the leading edge of medicine and biology. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial topical data across a broad spectrum. This compilation focuses on Hepatitis C, the Glucose Metabolism and Child Development issues.

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Book SynopsisThe benefits of Clopidogrel on the treatment of acute coronary syndromes are well established. However, not all patients respond in the same way to Clopidogrel therapy, and there are patients who suffer major adverse cardiovascular events despite being on treatment, emerging the concept of Clopidogrel resistance. This book focuses on this topic, mainly in the definition, response assessment, clinical implications, patients'' management and emerging therapies (prasugrel, cangrelor and ticagrelor).

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Book SynopsisIn the last 40 years, the study of aortic heart valve replacements has had its roots in the work of great clinicians, scientists and biomedical engineers who established the techniques for heart valve substitutes. Recently the research on the development of aortic heart valve replacements has shifted toward tissue engineering (TE), a multidisciplinary research that involves biological, biomaterial and bioengineering sciences. This book introduces current valve substitutes and their limitations and the futuristic tissue engineering of aortic heart valves (TEHV). It highlights the substantial achievements that have been accomplished in the last two decades in TEHV research and discusses the much needed exertion in defining the functional requirements of clinical implementation and in developing the means to produce a functional aortic valve.

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Book SynopsisAtherosclerosis is a chronic disease affecting the entire arterial tree, representing an inflammatory response in the vessels. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis involves complex processes leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the risk factors, prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Topics include questioning the cholesterol-atherosclerosis hypothesis; diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and new therapies; the pathogenesis and oxidative mechanisms in atherosclerosis; peripheral arterial vasodilation for primary atherosclerosis prevention; and coronary artery atherosclerosis measured by a hybrid SPECT/CT camera.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an overview of new developments in angiography research. Topics discussed in this compilation include endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke; the application of CT angiography in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease; catheter-based registration and motion compensation for 2-D/3-D fusion during electrophysiology procedures; headaches related to angiography and endovascular procedures; hybrid coronary revascularisation and routine intra-operative completion angiography; and image registration techniques in Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA).

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Book SynopsisVentricular arrhythmias are the main cause of sudden arrhythmic death, a devastating situation that is tied to heart failure and its incidence is increasing despite current available therapies. This book reviews and explores the pathophysiology of ventricular arrhythmia and currently available therapeutic modalities including ion channel blockades, catheter ablation and defibrillators, with the hope that the wealth of accumulated science and knowledge have grown to the point that with the help of current advanced technology which allows targeting cellular, molecular and genetic components, a paradigm shift in treatment of these deadliest arrhythmias becomes possible. The book also provides chapters on currently available pharmacological options, defibrillation and catheter ablation as well as chapters on new treatments and technologies such as cell and gene therapies and what may be the future of arrhythmia therapy.

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a comprehensive overview of the various off-pump coronary artery bypass techniques. This book is divided into two sections. After introductory chapters on evolution and history, detailed evidence-based discussion of technical aspects and applications of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in different settings is presented. Written by experts from leading institutions around the world, this superb compilation focuses on mastery of operative techniques and also provides a thorough understanding of how to select the best procedure, how to avoid complications, and what outcomes to expect. The user-friendly format is ideal for quick preoperative review of the steps of a procedure. The editors and authors are recognised experts in off-pump surgery, and draw on their vast experience to provide a book that will serve not only as a basic manual for cardiac surgeons, both practising as well as in-training, but also as an invaluable compendium of readily understood information for cardiologists, anaesthetists, intensivists, nurses and general practitioners.

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Book SynopsisThis book, which is an updated new edition in 2012 of an earlier book of 2007, addresses the role of passive smoking in causing the multiple aspects of cardiovascular damage under biochemical, physiological, pathological, clinical, epidemiological and statistic all aspects. In just five years, from 2007 to 2012, enormous progress on the effects of passive smoking has been achieved. This book also uses, under the editorial aspect, a modern and updated system of asterisks that bind, in each chapter, the existing concepts, without changing their content, with those of more recent acquisition that modify or cancel the previously issued. In this way, the reader can actively update on what was effectively the "past" and how current research on the subject suggests.

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Book SynopsisCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the industrialised world. Early bystander''s CPR has been recognised as one of the most effective interventions in improving outcome and as an essential link of the survival''s chain. In this book the authors present current research in the study of CPR, including predictors of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; aspirin resistance in cardiovascular disease; out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in children and results of experience from a cardiopulmonary resuscitation program in Spain.

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Book SynopsisThis yearbook presents important research in the field of cardiovascular research from around the world. Particular emphasis is placed on circadian medicine and its relationship to cardiovascular events as well as other new areas such as gene therapy in heart disease. This book begins with a piece dedicated to the former editor of Cardiology and head of that specialty at the Mayo Clinic, followed by a consensus directed by a board member of the World Health Organization (also a minister of health) with a university president.

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Book SynopsisThis personal scientific memoir describes how a chance observation concerning artery disease in children with rare inherited abnormalities of metabolism, often called experiments of Nature, led to the discovery of a new theory of heart disease, cancer and diseases of ageing. As explained in subsequent chapters, this new theory places the amino acid homocysteine at the heart of altered metabolism of diseases of ageing. Not only does this theory illuminate and explain the origin of these diseases, development of this theory logically leads to a novel and revolutionary metabolic and nutritional program for disease prevention and treatment, potentially benefiting individuals and populations.

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Book SynopsisArterial hypertension is one of the most frequent chronic diseases in the industrialised nations of the West and represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the aetiology, pathophysiology and treatment options of arterial hypertension. Topics include endothelial dysfunction in hypertension; masked arterial hypertension; arterial hypertension in children and adolescence, treatment options, and influence of sex hormones; and target organ damage in hypertensive patients.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the risk factors, diagnosis, surgery and repair of aortic aneurysms. Topics discussed in this compilation are the genetic risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA); assessment of aortic aneurysm rupture risk and surgical repair; morphometric model of abdominal aortic aneurysm and the significance of the structural changes in the aortic wall for rupture risk assessment; the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms; endovascular aneurysm repair in challenging anatomy; abdominal aortic aneurysm screening; aortic hemodynamics and their role in aneurysm location; decision-support system for diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm after endovascular repair; and the clinical, hemodynamical and mechanical aspects of aortic aneurysms and endovascular repair.

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Book SynopsisSudden cardiac death is a world-wide pandemic. Over the last years, basic and clinical research has greatly contributed to our understanding of the epidemiology, risk factors, preventive measures and therapy for sudden cardiac death. The advent of the new era of human gene discovering has clarified the genetic basis for inherited arrhythmogenic syndromes potentially leading to sudden cardiac death. Primary prevention measures against coronary artery disease have also translated into a decrease of the incidence of sudden cardiac death in adults, and the advent of implantable defibrillators has been proven to reduce mortality in patients at risk. This book has the aim of providing a concise yet comprehensive update on the major advances in the field of epidemiology, genetics and preventive measures for sudden cardiac death.

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Book SynopsisThis book dedicates the first seven chapters to cardiac electrophysiological dysfunction that can lead to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. The next six chapters expand the topics of sudden death to other causes. Brugada Syndrome is the top cause of non-traumatic sudden death in young males of Southeastern Asian and southern European origins. Chapters One and Two review extensively the history and current status, mechanisms of arrhythmias, and related gene mutations in Brugada Syndrome, and discuss gaps in the current knowledge. Chapter Three presents clinical studies on the A1180V and R1193Q mutations of the cardiac sodium channel gene, SCN5A. The authors identified R1193Q mutation in 12.8%-16% of a healthy Chinese population. This result prompted the question of whether SCN5A mutations are still the top genetic bases of Brugada and long QT syndromes. Chapters Four, Five and Seven discuss the pathophysiology causes, risk factors, predictors, prevention, and possible therapeutical strategies of sudden cardiac death. Chapter Six reviews the scope and causes of sudden cardiac death in athletics. Chapter Seven is dedicated to the roles of electrical cardiac systole in sudden death. Chapter Eight reviews sudden death related to cardiac and brain tumours, pulmonary tumour embolism, asphyxia, massive exsanguinations, and their pathophysiology. Chapter Nine summarises the pathophysiology of sudden death caused by myocardial tuberculosis. Chapter Ten introduces pathophysiology of sudden death during hot baths in deep bathtubs, which occurs frequently in elderly people in Japan. Chapter Eleven discusses air pollution as a trigger of sudden death. Chapter Twelve presents biochemical, cytological and histopathological examination of sudden unexpected death in infancy. The last chapter of the book, Chapter Thirteen, reviews post-mortem cardiac markers in different body fluids and their application in forensic pathology diagnosis of sudden cardiac death. In combination, these chapters cover a broad range of topics about sudden death.

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Book SynopsisCardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis. Chronic heart failure (CHF) has emerged as a major worldwide epidemic. This book gathers the latest research in cardiovascular disease with a focus on such topics as cardiac connexin gap junction channels; the impact of alternative splicing on cardiovascular biology; gender aspects in septic patients receiving QTc prolonging drugs; nanotechnology for cardiovascular therapy; ineffective endocarditis associated to oral bacteremia; neonatal echocardiography; endocarditis symptoms, treatment and prevention; metabolomics in aortic stenosis; mid-term outcome of mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic or degenerative mitral regurgitation; and early repolarisation and ventricular fibrillation in a young Tunisian woman.

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Book SynopsisAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to a group of symptoms attributed to obstruction of the coronary arteries with the most common symptom presented as chest pain. In this book, the authors discuss current research in the study of the symptoms, treatment and prevention of ACS. Topics include antiplatelet therapy in ACS and novel antiplatelet agents; ACS in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft; the incidence, impact on morbidity and mortality on atypical presentation in ACS; statins use in acute coronary syndrome; dietary assessment and cardiovascular disease risk estimation scores; the importance of renal insufficiency in ischemic heart disease; the relationship between acute coronary syndrome and leukocyte count; and ischemic heart disease in the elderly.

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Book SynopsisHypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a disease afflicting almost 1 billion people world-wide. Some 70 million adults in the United States are affected by hypertension. The condition also affects about two million teens and children. It is called the "silent killer" due to the deleterious damaging effects, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, renal dysfunction, visual problems, among others, derived from hypertension. It is noteworthy that one-third of patients in this condition are not even aware they are hypertensive, as this disease is usually asymptomatic for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs and the only reliable way to detect its occurrence is to regularly check blood pressure. Therefore, considerable effort has been devoted to ascertain the causes of hypertension, as well as the mechanisms damaging the organ function. Nevertheless, about 95% of cases have unknown causes and represent the primary or essential hypertension. This book presents an update of research advances contributing to a better understanding of relevant clinical models of hypertension, particularly; the involvement of the role of oxidative stress in various forms of hypertension as a still emerging subject. This paradigm could be applied to account for blood pressure elevation in the metabolic syndrome, renovascular disease, preeclampsia and chronic kidney disease, among others. These examples are discussed in the light of recent clinical and experimental studies providing a rational base for diagnosis and treatment of the diseases. Each chapter includes a synthesis of the mechanistic approach supported by the accumulated evidence to facilitate its comprehension.

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Book SynopsisAtrial fibrillation is rapidly assuming a predominant role in current vascular medicine. Parallel to its escalating prevalence, due mainly to the global ageing of the population, physicians world-wide and across different medical fields have joined efforts producing dramatic breakthroughs in diagnostics and the multidimensional therapeutic arsenal to this common arrhythmia. In this endeavour, we aim to cover an updated and practical overview of the whole spectrum of this disturbing hurdle. Firstly, this publication will encompass different perspectives for the same entity: atrial fibrillation, encompassing the first line approach of Internal Medicine and the mindset of cardiologists and neurologists. Thereafter, an updated look on the epidemiology that has been exponentiating the awareness on this arrhythmia with a special scrutiny to the impact on stroke units world-wide is discussed. In the next section, the main advances in the diagnostic area will be presented, ranging from the anatomical viewpoint to rhythm disturbances and embolic complications. The medical and interventional treatment will follow with critical reviews of the therapeutic outbreaks and achievements into a practical modern-day care. In summary, we designed a flow of contents from the burden of the disease to its approach, with the intent to provide an updated, comprehensive overview of all major current dilemmas in atrial fibrillation conceptualised for physicians from all specialities addressing patients with this contemporary clinical challenge.

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