Table of contents
May 2007 Volume 4 No 5
Editorial
Viewpoint
'End-stage' hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: from mystery to model
232'End-stage' hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most serious manifestations of HCM, yet its etiology remains poorly understood. Here, Yacoub et al. discuss recent advances in our knowledge of end-stage HCM, explore avenues for future research, and propose that elucidating this 'mysterious' condition might provide a model for other myocardial diseases.
Research Highlights
Predictive value of biomarkers for cardiovascular events and death
234Studies implicate long QT syndrome in autopsy-negative sudden death
234Disproportionate transmission of long QT syndrome to females
235Patent foramen ovale implicated in high-altitude pulmonary edema
236Statin therapy is not associated with an increased risk of adverse effects in clinical trials
236Study shows value of NT-proBNP measurement in cardiovascular risk stratification
236Incidence of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage rising in the US
237The proportion of adults with congenital heart disease is increasing
237Telomere length: a marker of risk for coronary heart disease?
238Modifiable risk factors linked to AMI in South Asians
238Observational study outcomes are highly sensitive to choice of statistical analysis
238Practice Points
Does preparticipation cardiovascular screening of athletes save lives?
240Is lipoprotein(a) a clinically meaningful risk marker for cardiovascular events in healthy women?
242Carotid stenting versus endarterectomy: the controversy continues
244Do the benefits of early invasive therapy for non-STE acute coronary syndromes persist with long-term follow-up?
246Can we simplify the measurement of cardiovascular calcification in patients on hemodialysis?
248Does late PCI improve clinical outcome and survival in patients with arterial occlusion after MI?
250Reviews
Calcific aortic stenosis: an update
254Despite the growing prevalence and high morbidity and mortality associated with calcific aortic stenosis, until recently little was known about the cellular mechanism of this condition. Recent studies have demonstrated that the pathophysiology of aortic valve disease and vascular atherosclerosis is similar. Here, Nalini Rajamannan, Robert Bonow and Shahbudin Rahimtoola discuss the etiology and mechanisms of calcific aortic stenosis, its diagnosis and future medical therapies in the context of recent developments.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0827 | Full Text | PDF (899K)
The erectile–endothelial dysfunction nexus: new opportunities for cardiovascular risk prevention
263Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction has assumed center stage as a powerful risk-marker for cardiovascular disease. A readily treatable disorder, erectile dysfunction could potentially independently predict cardiovascular risk. Here, Watts et al. review the linked pathogenesis of endothelial and erectile dysfunction, and the relationship between and the clinical management of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0861 | Full Text | PDF (357K)
Mechanisms of Disease: L-arginine in coronary atherosclerosis—a clinical perspective
274L-Arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthase, is the precursor for nitric oxide synthesis in the vascular endothelium. Experimental and preliminary clinical studies have indicated that intra-arterial or intravenous infusion of L-arginine could improve nitric oxide bioavailability in the coronary arteries. Here, Tousoulis et al. examine the literature on the role of L-arginine in the prevention of atherosclerosis from a clinical perspective.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0878 | Full Text | PDF (295K)
Case Study
Ventricular ectopy during REM sleep: implications for nocturnal sudden cardiac death
284doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0877 | Full Text | PDF (855K)
