Role of cardiac MRI and nuclear imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy
Niti R. Aggarwal,
Matthew W. Martinez,
Bernard J. Gersh
&
Panithaya Chareonthaitawee
Published online: 03 November 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.189
In this Review, the authors discuss the difficulties with assessing the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in the treatment of advanced heart failure. They discuss the problems with current methods used and the potential benefits of molecular imaging techniques.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of thoracic aortic aneurysms
Ismail El-Hamamsy
&
Magdi H. Yacoub
Published online: 03 November 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.191
In this Review, the authors discuss new developments in the understanding of how thoracic aortic aneurysms arise. They describe the developmental origins of the thoracic aorta, mutations in the structural components of the thoracic aorta that are associated with aneurysms, and advances in treatment strategies.
Diagnosis and management of pericardial diseases
Massimo Imazio,
Antonio Brucato,
Rita Trinchero
&
Yehuda Adler
Published online: 27 October 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.185
Randomized trial data on pericardial diseases are scarce, but a number of new studies are moving the management of these conditions from empirically-based to evidence-based medicine. Massimo Imazio and colleagues show how the emerging data and the first guidelines for pericardial disease can be used to tailor management to the individual patient.
Omega-3 fatty acids: cardiovascular benefits, sources and sustainability
John H. Lee,
James H. O'Keefe,
Carl J. Lavie
&
William S. Harris
Published online: 27 October 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2009.188
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is recommended by many international cardiology associations on the basis of abundant evidence for their cardioprotective nature. In this Review, Lee et al. discuss whether fish or fish-oil supplements are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, and whether recommendations for omega-3 supplementation are warranted in view of the rapid depletion of world fish stocks.
