Over the past few decades, cardiovascular disease and diabetes have emerged as major public health problems, both as distinct clinical entities and as comorbid conditions. As a result, the fields of vascular biology and endocrinology are working more closely now than ever before. With chapters by renowned experts, Cardiovascular Endocrinology: Shared Pathways and Clinical Crossroads emphasizes the considerable physiological interrelationships and clinical correlations between the specialties of cardiovascular medicine and endocrinology. Offering a wealth of information, Cardiovascular Endocrinology: Shared Pathways and Clinical Crossroads provides a range of insights, including a novel view of the hormonal regulation of the vascular system and the disruption of the nitric oxide signaling system. It also addresses the role of fatty acids and cytokines in the development of this problem. Importantly, this unique title also provides a state-of-the-art update on the importance of other hormones such as thyroid hormone and steroids, as well as the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and controversies surrounding the use of hormone replacement therapy. In all, Cardiovascular Endocrinology: Shared Pathways and Clinical Crossroads is a first-of-its-kind title that discusses and summarizes important clinical topics in cardiology and endocrinology. It offers clinicians and researchers an important resource for navigating the increasingly interrelated pathways of cardiovascular and endocrinologic disorders. The authors discuss a range of important issues from epidemiology to bench research to translation of this research to clinical practice.

Learn about: arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins, atria, ventricles, superior and inferior vena cava, pulmonary artery and vein, aorta, tricuspid and mitral valve, sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, and purkinje fibers. Understand each of these terms and where they are located in this color-packed guide to the heart For all ages to enjoy.

Sickle cell disease is a complex disease with a genetic mutation producing a wide variety of manifestations. It is of great public health importance nationally and internationally. While the conclusions of this study support the generally accepted views on the disease, the book provides the most recent information and state-of-the-art knowledge on the subject. The book is unique in that it presents the genetic, molecular, cellular, metabolic, rheologic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and psychosocial dimensions of sickle cell disease. Its synthesis of micro to macro, molecular to cellular, individual to social relationships provides a comprehensive study of sickle cell disease.

The book offers a synthesis of basic science describing genetic, molecular, metabolic, and rheologic aspects of sickle cell disease. Clinical aspects, including diagnosis and treatment, and psychosocial aspects, covering the interaction of the patient with sickle cell disease with society, are also treated. Physicians, scientists, allied health workers, sociologists, and social workers, epidemiologists and anthropologists as well as administrators of sickle cell centers will find this volume useful. The ultimate goal of the book is to improve the understanding of sickle cell disease and to contribute to a better quality of life for those who have the disease or who are at risk of getting it.

Comprising contributions from leading lipidologists from around the world, this book presents the latest and most comprehensive knowledge on the different options for combination therapy of dyslipidemia and includes discussion of future therapies that are currently in late stages of clinical evaluation. Dyslipidemia is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and most patients with this condition fail to achieve adequate control of their serum lipid levels with monotherapy. However, recent US and European guideline recommendations, based on randomized, controlled trials, fail to discuss combination therapy options for patients with dyslipidemia. Statins remain the mainstay of drug therapy for hyperlipidemia and chapters in this book specifically examine the role of add-on therapy with different agents modulating the different lipid fractions in the blood, e.g. bile acid sequestrants, fibric acid derivatives (fibrates), omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils), inhibitors of Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), apolipoprotein B-100 and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and the emerging proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. There is additional discussion of the role of non-drug therapy options such as nutraceuticals, functional foods and lipoprotein apheresis. The book also discusses the combination of antihypertensive drugs with lipid-lowering drugs in the management of cardiovascular risk in patents with dyslipidemia.

New Approaches to Aortic Disease from Valve to Abdominal Bifurcation provides a complete look at aortic valve diseases from all points of view, including etiology, physiopathology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The book offers new insights into the aortic valve and pathology based on evidence of current diagnostic methods, treatments and post-surgery evolution. Content is split into three distinct parts for ease of reference, including an overview of aortic pathology, diagnostic evaluations methods, and treatments. Also included are guidelines and future research directions, making this a must-have volume for all cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons who address significant issues in this topic area.

Coronary Artery Disease: From Biology to Clinical Practice links the most important basic concepts of atherosclerosis pathophysiology to treatment management of coronary artery disease. Comprehensive coverage starts with the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of the disease, including molecular and genetic mechanisms, cells interaction and inflammation. In addition, sections on novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies and a thorough understanding of the recent trends in clinical management round out this comprehensive tome that is ideal for practitioners and researchers. By summarizing this novel knowledge and changes in diagnostic algorithm and treatment options, this is the perfect reference for cardiology researchers who want a volume with the most up-to-date experimental trends in the field of atherosclerosis, for cardiologists and physicians who manage patients with atherosclerotic risk factors and established coronary artery disease, and medical students who want to learn the basic concepts of atherosclerosis.

Nature is totally amoral! There are at least 3-4 million people in France alone who suffer from arterial hypertension, and whose cardiovascular system is submitted day and night to both a haemodynamic and hormonal stress. In all cases, the vasculature hypertrophies as does the myocardium. This growth process is obviously mainly detrimental at the outset since it lowers compliance of the arteries and makes them stiffer. In contrast, myocardial hypertrophy is initially beneficial since the growth process multiplies the number of contractile units and by so doing improves external work. In addition, according to Starling's law, wall stress is lowered. Growth factors playa major role in this amoral process as a trigger for hypertrophy at the vascular level, and very likely at the level of the myocardium. Another major point of interest is the role of growth factors as determinants of restenosis after angioplasty and also of atherogenesis. Several chapters in this book are directly or indirectly concerned with this problem which is far from being purely academic since several groups are currently trying to control these processes by gene transfer. Certainly, one of the major clinical questions arising from such studies is why restenosis is not more frequent in clinical practice. After de-endotheliazation, the biologist would predict on the basis of recent studies on growth factors, and in contrast with current clinical opinion, that hypertrophy would occur in all cases with more or less complete restenosis.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality in the western world and about half of these deaths are caused by coronary artery disease. One of the most commonly used interventions to treat arterial blockages is to deploy an arterial stent to keep the vessel open. Traditionally, some cardiovascular stents have been associated with serious side-effects, such as thrombosis. This book describes the fundamentals of cardiovascular stents, technologies to functionalize their surfaces and the market status of these important implants. The chapters provide specific focus on the production and evolution of cardiovascular stents, providing essential knowledge for researchers on advances in the field and knowledge of how cardiovascular stents are currently being "functionalized" in order to improve their biocompatibility and minimize negative outcomes in vivo.

This issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics, edited by Drs. Luigi Padeletti and Giuseppe Bagliani, will cover the latest in Normal Electrophysiology, Substrates, and the Electrocardiographic Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrhythmias. Topics covered in this issue include History of Arrhythmias; P wave and arrhythmias originating in the atria; PQ interval and Junctional zone; QRS complex; Ventricular repolarization during arrhythmias; Classification and specific electrocardiographic pattern of Cardiac Arrhythmias; and Electrocardiographic practice of cardiac arrhythmias.

The Cardiovascular System: Design, Control and Function, Volume 36A, a two- volume set, not only provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge in this very active and growing field of research, but also highlights the diversity in cardiovascular morphology and function and the anatomical and physiological plasticity shown by fish taxa that are faced with various abiotic and biotic challenges. Updated topics in this important work include chapters on Heart Morphology and Anatomy, Cardiomyocyte Morphology and Physiology, Electrical Excitability of the Fish Heart, Cardiac Energy Metabolism, Heart Physiology and Function, Hormonal and Intrinsic Biochemical Control of Cardiac Function, and Vascular Anatomy and Morphology. In addition, chapters integrate molecular and cellular data with the growing body of knowledge on heart and in vivo cardiovascular function, and as a result, provide insights into some of the most important questions that still need to be answered.

Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Guide to Performing the Cox-Maze IV Procedure is the first all-inclusive description of this rapidly growing surgery, setting the standard in the field. The Cox-Maze IV procedure is a complex surgery, and its success depends critically on correct execution. With FDA approval, the first RF ablation device for treatment of the Cox-Maze IV procedure has become more important than ever to combine scientific information for the procedure with its connection to human application. This comprehensive text provides step-by-step instructions from an experienced Cox-Maze IV surgeon and is written in the style of a mentor advising his mentee in the operating room. It contains over a dozen lessons described in detail, with illustrations, photographs and a discussion of possible complications and appropriate ways to deal with them. Additionally, the book describes sequencing for the surgeries that are typically performed concomitant with the Cox-Maze IV procedure, determining the optimal way to combine surgeries. Cardiac surgeons, fellows in cardiac surgery, medical students inclined toward cardiac surgery and cardiology researchers will find this book to be of great importance to their work.

An international team of experts critically review the recent progress in basic and applied research in angiogenesis. Their cutting-edge discussion ranges from the stimulation and repression of angiogenesis to the discovery of novel targets and the use angiotherapy in the clinic. They also detail the fundamental concepts in the physiology and pathophysiology of angiogenesis and evaluate the potential of angiotherapy in the management of angiogenic disease, highlighting some of the angiogenics and antiangiogenics both in development and in clinical trials.

Key Features * Features concise yet thorough description of the landmark studies and scientific breakthroughs coupled with easy-to-follow organizational structure of chapters that are accessible to readers at different levels of training. * Brings together world-leading experts to provide a fresh perspective to trainees such as residents and fellows-in-training, as well as more senior clinicians and researchers across the field of rheumatology and in specialties such as cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology, nephrology, and neurology, all of whom care for patients with rheumatologic conditions. * Allows the author to imagine and speculate about the evolution of this field in the coming decades. Examples of such speculative possibilities include use of synovial biopsy to predict response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, replacement of renal biopsy with urinary proteomics in diagnosing and classifying lupus nephritis, use of new therapeutics to obviate the need for steroids in the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis, use of machine learning to evaluate subtle changes in imaging in management of inflammatory arthritis, etc.

As a leading cause of death in developed countries, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and its various treatment options are of great concern to those in the cardiology field. This text presents evidence-based chapters that supply clinicians with real-life situations and strategies to treat STEMI patients more effectively and at a quicker pace. A highly illustrated and fully referenced source, this comprehensive text provides both a scientific background and a practical overview of the invasive management of STEMI patients.

Dietary Fiber for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Fiber's Interaction between Gut Micoflora, Sugar Metabolism, Weight Control and Cardiovascular Health compiles the most up-to-date research discoveries to provide a timely and scientific rationale for the significant impact of a fiber rich diet for the prevention of heart disease. By focusing on the science behind how fiber, both soluble and insoluble can lead to lower rates of heart disease, this important reference will educate researchers, cardiologists, medical providers and students on how to improve patients' hearts via a fiber rich diet. Coverage includes the known mechanisms of how fiber works to reduce insulin resistance, control weight, reduce cholesterol by binding with bile, maintain stable glucose levels and influence gut microflora.

This issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics, edited by Drs. Ravi Mandapati, Kalyanam Shivkumar, and Seshadri Balaji, will cover the latest in Cardiac Arrhythmias in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease. Topics covered in this issue include, but are not limited to Brady arrhythmia; Supraventricular Tachycardia in Adult Congenital Heart Disease; Atrial defects, Ebsteins; Drug therapy; Devices; and Surgery.

Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Remodeling in Health and Disease: Target Tissues and Therapy, Volume, Volume 148, the latest volume in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series covers a variety of timely topics, with chapters focusing on The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Development, Repair, and Destruction of the Lungs, Matrix Metalloproteinases in Kidney Disease: Role in Pathogenesis and Potential as a Therapeutic Target, Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy, Matrix Metalloproteinases in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia, and Matrix Metalloproteinases, Neural Extracellular Matrix, and Central Nervous System Pathology. This volume is the second part of a thematic on matrix metalloproteinases and tissue remodeling in health and disease. It focuses on the role of MMPs in other systems, target tissues, and pathological disorders and the potential benefits of MMP inhibitors in various disorders.

This issue of the Heart Failure Clinics of North America, guest edited by Drs. Daniel Lenihan and Douglas Sawyer, will cover several aspects of Cardio-oncology Related to Heart Failure. Subjects discussed in the volume include, but are not limited to: Proteasome Inhibitors as a potential cause of Heart Failure; EGFR target based therapy; Amyloidosis; How to manage Heart Failure in a patient with cancer; Advanced HF/Txp; Epidemiology and common risk factors; Pediatric Considerations; Alternative biomarkers for combined biology; How to develop a Cardio-Oncology Clinic; and How to structure a Cardio-Oncology fellowship program, among others.

This issue of Interventional Cardiology Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Ehrin Armstrong, will cover a wide variety of aspects of Endovascular Treatment of PAD and Critical Limb Ischemia. Topics covered in the issue include, but are not limited to: Current Status and Outcomes of Iliac Artery Endovascular Intervention; Current Endovascular Management of Acute Limb Ischemia; Mechanisms Underlying Drug Delivery to Peripheral Arteries; Biological Mechanisms of Restenosis After Endovascular Intervention; Drug Coated Balloons; Current Role of Atherectomy for Treatment of Femoropopliteal and Infrapopliteal Disease; Inframalleolar Intervention and Extreme Access for Limb Preservation; and Emerging and Future Therapeutic Options for Femoropopliteal and Infrapopliteal Endovascular Intervention, among others.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin Deficiency: Biology, Diagnosis, Clinical Significance, and Emerging Therapies is the authoritative reference on AATD, providing standards for diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and appropriate avenues of research. The book covers the disease from basic biology and epidemiology, to clinical impact, and includes the understanding of the natural history of the disease and the significant advances that have been made in the last 20 years, including the three-dimensional structure of the molecule, its broad biological activity and improved therapeutic options, including replacement therapy and gene therapy. The editors have recruited international experts in the field to contribute evidence-based chapters and insights on future developments in the understanding of this disease.

Profound mortality rates, due to cardiovascular disease, are a worldwide problem. Cardiovascular disease results from complications of a silent and chronic arterial disease: atherosclerosis. The challenge for the practitioner is adapting diagnostic and therapeutic responses to prevent this common and complex disease. Dyslipidemia, are disorders of the metabolism of soluble transporters of lipids in extracellular spaces of the human body (including blood), called lipoproteins. They are major cardiovascular risk factors, causally related with atherosclerosis and are themselves multifactorial diseases, resulting from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The study of genetic factors has recently taken a new path with the study of DNA as an experimental object. More than fifty genes of lipoprotein metabolism have been identified in both their physiological actions and their contribution to the pathogenesis of human dyslipidemia. The diversity of observations has refined our current knowledge of the control of lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis in living organisms beyond the limits of the cardiovascular system (e.g., brain, immune system, and development). These studies have given way to a shake-up of former phenotypic classifications, distinguishing new entities, defining targeted therapeutic strategies, providing a basis for different patterns of disease distribution in human populations.

This issue of Cardiology Clinics, edited by Drs. Kenneth Jamerson and Brian Byrd will cover the current consensus on Hypertension, from Pre-Hypertension to Heart Failure. Topics covered in this issue include: genomic approaches to hypertension; drug and non-drug therapeutic approaches for pre-hypertension; air pollution and hypertension; social determinants of cardiovascular health; management of essential hypertension; devices; blood pressure management; systolic and diastolic failure; and contemporary approaches to heart failure.

This issue of Interventional Cardiology Clinics, edited by Drs. Dominick Angiolillo and Matthew Price, will focus on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulation Therapy in PCI. The topics covered in this volume will span across pretreatment with antiplatelet agents; optimal duration of antiplatelet therapy after PCI; Cangrelor and its role in percutaneous coronary intervention; Ticagrelor and its effects beyond the P2Y12 receptor; dyspnea and Reversibly-binding P2Y12 antagonists; PAR receptor inhibition post-PCI; switching P2Y12 receptor inhibiting therapies; antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary stenting; antithrombotic therapy to reduce ischemic events in ACS patients undergoing PCI; and the current role of platelet function testing in PCI and CABG, among other topics.

Get the tools and knowledge you need for effective diagnosis, evaluation, and management of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Myocardial Infarction: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease, by David A. Morrow, MD, is a comprehensive, hands-on resource that provides practical guidance from a name you trust. Concise and easy to use, this text explores the most recent tools for diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making, as well as the full range of available management strategies, providing outcomes data for each strategy. Myocardial Infarction also includes regular updates with late-breaking clinical trials, reviews of important new articles, and the latest guidance on clinical practice, all selected and masterfully edited by Dr. Eugene Braunwald. Provides thorough discussions of ECG, established and emerging biochemical markers, angiography, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI and CT. Features an extensive treatment section that covers the latest drugs and most recent clinical trials of antiplatelet therapy, coronary revascularization, gene therapy, and approaches to reperfusion injury and ventricular remodeling. Discusses special considerations for the evaluation of acute coronary syndromes in the emergency department, and use of advanced technologies in cardiac critical care. Covers key topics such as in-hospital complications, cardiogenic shock, transitions to post-discharge care, and cardiac rehabilitation. Includes Clinical Practice/Controversy chapters that highlight management-focused, practical topics covering expert approaches for areas of uncertainty. Offers guidance on the management of special populations. Online content includes animations illustrating key pathobiology, including dynamic thrombosis, platelet adherence-activation-aggregation and adverse ventricular remodeling, as well as management strategies and procedural techniques. Regularly updated Expert ConsultT eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

This issue of Medical Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Edward Frohlich, is devoted to Hypertension. Articles in this outstanding issue include The Kidney in Hypertension; Heart: Fibrosis, Apoptosis, and Cardiac Failure; Myocardial Ischemia; Oxidative Stress and Hypertensive Diseases; Adherence to Antihypertensive Therapy; Aging and Hypertension; Target Organs and Microbiological Considerations in Hypertensive Diseases; Obesity and Sodium Considerations; Diabetes, Hypertension and Cardiorenal Syndrome; Renal Arterial Disease; Cardiac Transplantation and Hypertensive Diseases; Cardiac Failure: Old and New Challenges; Diastolic Dysfunction and Hypertension; Stiffening of Large Arteries; Genetics and Mechanisms; New Guidelines for Hypertensive Diseases; and Local Renin Angiotensin Systems.