The CVD paradox: mortality vs prevalence
Valentin Fuster & Bryony M. Mearns
p669 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.187
Table of contents
November 2009 Vol 6 No 11
Editorial
Research Highlights
Arrhythmias: Antiarrhythmic drugs in the treatment of ARVC | PDF (148 KB)
p671 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.166
Is a reduced SBP target warranted? | PDF (49 KB)
p672 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.150
Surgery: Long-term success of CABG in Kawasaki disease | PDF (52 KB)
p672 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.152
Correction
Imaging outcomes in cardiovascular clinical trials | PDF (46 KB)
p672 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.186
Endoscopic catheter ablation of AF | PDF (47 KB)
p673 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.151
Hypertension: Sildenafil reduces pulmonary hypertension in HF | PDF (50 KB)
p673 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.167
Stroke: Stroke prevention in patients with AF | PDF (49 KB)
p673 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.168
Thrombosis: New-generation combined oral contraceptives linked to raised risk of thrombosis | PDF (78 KB)
p674 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.169
Coronary artery disease: Myocardial bridge: a 'double-edged sword' in atherosclerosis | PDF (54 KB)
p674 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.170
News and Views
Interventional cardiology: Renal artery stenting—which patients will benefit?
Nicholas J. Ruggiero & Michael R. Jaff
p675 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.173
The role of endovascular therapy in patients with renal artery stenosis continues to be very controversial. Two reports have added notable findings to the growing body of evidence on this subject. The investigators of these studies aimed to clarify which patients, if any, would benefit from renal artery stent placement.
Coronary artery disease: High field strength coronary MRA—ready for prime time?
Reza Nezafat & Warren J. Manning
p676 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.184
Yang and colleagues report on their single-center experience with high-field coronary MRA using a new MR contrast agent. Data on 30 patients were compared with conventional X-ray angiography. Their new coronary MRA approach seems favourable when compared with previous MRA methods.
Arrhythmias: Unexplained sudden cardiac death—back to clinical evaluation
Silvia G. Priori
p678 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.174
The diagnosis of unexplained cardiac arrest could soon become obsolete, as so-called molecular autopsy can now be used to identify its underlying causes. The current view of this subject is discussed, and some personal opinions are presented on the assessment of survivors of sudden cardiac arrest and relatives of individuals who do not survive.
Pharmacotherapy: Cardiovascular effects of aldosterone blockade in CKD
Bertram Pitt
p679 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.175
The results of the CRIB-2 trial, which show that the mineralocorticoid receptor blocker (MRB) spironolactone improves left ventricular mass and aortic stiffness in patients with early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), provide impetus for large-scale clinical trials to evaluate the effects of this strategy on clinical outcomes. The optimum choice of MRB and its dose, however, remain uncertain given the potential risk of hyperkalemia in patients with CKD.
Reviews
Calcification in atherosclerosis
Nikolaos Alexopoulos & Paolo Raggi
p681 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.165
The extent of coronary calcification is thought to reflect the total coronary atherosclerotic burden. In this Review, Drs. Alexopoulos and Raggi discuss the current uncertainty about the role of coronary artery calcium in various disease states, the utility of calcium screening and current recommendations on its use.
Prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease in the developing world
Andrew C. Steer & Jonathan R. Carapetis
p689 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.162
Rheumatic heart disease is a substantial global health problem that particularly affects developing countries. In this article, Andrew Steer and Jonathan Carapetis review the pathophysiology and epidemiology of this disease and discuss strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. They also emphasize the importance of secondary prophylaxis programs and highlight the potential for vaccine development.
Article series: Molecular Imaging
Applications of cardiac multidetector CT beyond coronary angiography
Karl H. Schuleri, Richard T. George & Albert C. Lardo
p699 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.172
In the past 5 years, technological advances in multidetector CT imaging have enabled the development of complementary myocardial applications beyond coronary imaging. In this Review, the authors describe these advances and discuss the clinical potential of such imaging for a broad range of applications.
Socioeconomic status and cardiovascular disease: risks and implications for care
Alexander M. Clark, Marie DesMeules, Wei Luo, Amanda S. Duncan & Andy Wielgosz
p712 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.163
Patients of low socioeconomic status (SES) with cardiovascular disease are a highly vulnerable, but often under-served, population. In high income countries in particular, these individuals develop cardiovascular disease younger, have more risk factors, and are less likely to benefit from treatment than are patients of higher socioeconomic status. In this Review, Clark et al. examine how socioeconomic status is linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes and what clinicians can do to address inequalities.
Perspectives
Opinion
National policies and strategies for noncommunicable diseases
Shanthi Mendis & Valentin Fuster
p723 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.171
In this Perspectives article, the authors discuss the need for national policies to add ress the global problem of noncommunicable diseases. They present their views on the benefits of national policies and the processes involved in developing and implementing such policies.
