ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Hypercholesterolemia has not traditionally been considered an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of stroke. However, recent studies show that statin therapy significantly reduces ischemic stroke for patients with established coronary artery disease. Statin therapy may reduce stroke through amelioration of precerebral atherosclerosis in the carotid artery and the aorta. Anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic actions of statins occur within the blood and in plaque. Statins may also protect against cerebral ischemia through beneficial modulation of the brain endothelial nitric oxide system. Ongoing studies are exploring the role of statin therapy in the primary prevention of stroke and in the prevention of cognitive decline and multi-infarct cerebrovascular disease.

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The morbidity and mortality of open repair of descending thoracic aortic lesions remains uncomfortably high. Shortly after the advent of an endovascular approach for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, attempts have been made to apply similar technologies to the thoracic aorta. Early experiences with endovascular grafts for thoracic aortic aneurysms have met with good to moderate success but have provided a framework for development of improved technologies specifically designed for this anatomic region. Early studies with second generation devices have shown more promise. Aortic dissections, a disease state associated with an exceptionally high morbidity and mortality, represent another condition that is readily treated with an endovascular approach.

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) has undergone many advances in the past several years through remarkable developments in contrast agent and ultrasound equipment technology. Microbubble ultrasound contrast agents can now safely transit the pulmonary circulation to provide opacification of the left ventricular cavity, improved endocardial border definition, and detection of myocardial perfusion. The role of contrast echocardiography in enhancing technically difficult images is now well established in clinical practice, and has proven especially useful in the stress and intensive care unit settings. Major progress has been made in the application of MCE for myocardial perfusion assessment in acute and chronic ischemic heart disease syndromes, and comprises the focus of this review. Advances in novel applications of contrast echocardiography, including targeted delivery of genetic and pharmaceutical materials, have also occurred, but remain in a preclinical phase. In summary, the combination of recent innovations in ultrasound equipment, and microbubble acoustics, allows for exciting exploration of the expanding role of contrast echocardiography in clinical practice.

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Abnormal diastolic function is increasingly appreciated as a major contributor to cardiac morbidity and mortality. Accurate noninvasive assessment of the presence and severity of diastolic impairment is crucial to the broad application and understanding of this common condition. Echocardiographic parameters have become the backbone of this noninvasive assessment. Active investigation into both old and new Doppler variables will provide the framework that can lead to a more uniform assessment and reporting that will be essential as we prepare to confront clinically the next frontier in cardiac pathophysiology. This review discusses the clinical impact of recent echocardiographic contributions to the field of diastology.

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Accurate evaluation of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity remains a challenging task in clinical cardiology. The importance of proper quantification of regurgitation cannot be underestimated because a delayed decision to replace or repair a defective valve may lead to worsening ventricular function and increased perioperative and long-term mortality. In this review we discuss both recent developments in the quantification of MR as well as new insights into the pathophysiology and progression of this lesion.

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Understanding the genetic basis of coronary artery disease (CAD) can improve management and prevention. Family and twin studies, animal models and gene association studies support a genetic basis for CAD. Genes contribute to CAD development and progression, and response to risk factor modification and lifestyle choices. Family history is the best indicator of a predisposition to CAD and further refinement is possible with biochemical and DNA testing. Many inherited cardiovascular risk factors can be modified, such as LDL cholesterol, homocysteine and lipoprotein(a). Early detection of CAD might lead to earlier intervention for genetically susceptible individuals. However, data are lacking regarding the efficacy of this approach in preventing clinical events. Despite this lack of evidence, knowledge of genetic CAD susceptibility has value in providing risk information and guiding decision making. Further research that investigates outcomes regarding genetic risk assessment for CAD is necessary.

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

An unresolved issue in preventive cardiology is whether the serum triglyceride level is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease and, as a direct practical consequence, whether it has value as a diagnostic test. Evidence published in the past year has contributed substantially to clarifying these issues. In this review, we discuss the data that bears upon the importance of triglycerides as a risk factor and the implications of recent clinical trials directed at lipid lowering. We then discuss the alternatives for triglyceride lowering therapy in the light of this new knowledge.

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0268-4705    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2001

数据来源: OVID