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There has been an alarming increase in the occurrence of childhood obesity, the long-term consequences of which are at least partly those of adult obesity. The direct consequences of childhood obesity on long-term cardiovascular risk, however, are less certain. Here, Peter H Whincup and John E Deanfield discuss the substantial challenges childhood obesity presents to clinicians.
Developments in the interpretation of blood pressure curves have enabled assessment of pressure-wave reflections and arterial stiffness in the vascular system. These measurements can be translated into assessment of cardiovascular risk, enabling new features of cardiovascular disease and new drug treatments to be investigated. Here, the structural and functional factors that influence arterial stiffness are discussed.
Alterations in β-adrenergic-receptor signal transduction play a major part in the development of heart failure. Although pharmacologic and device-based therapy can lessen morbidity and mortality, better understanding of these mechanisms should improve outcomes. Much of the current understanding of β-adrenergic signaling pathways and polymorphisms is summarized in this review.
Shear stress plays an essential part in the maintenance of healthy blood vessels, and locations of low shear stress can create predilection sites for eccentric plaque growth. This review discusses the mechanobiologic mechanisms related to shear stress that might have a role in plaque rupture.
Anticoagulation is a necessary part of interventional cardiology, despite the associated bleeding risks. In this review, Martin T Rothman presents an overview of how the various anticoagulant drugs weigh up against one another when used in combination with percutaneous coronary intervention.