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Query: UMLS:C0018801 (heart failure)
 72,216 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Endothelial dysfunction is generally believed to be the inciting event in atherosclerosis, and is probably important in ischemic manifestations as well. The release of endothelium-derived vasoactive substances is not only triggered by acetylcholine, but also controlled by a host of neuromediators and by shear forces exerted by the blood flowing through the blood vessel. However, this balance is altered in disease states such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, or hypertension. The most important mechanism in the decrease in endothelium-dependent relaxation appears to be a reduced release of nitric oxide. In healthy people, the predominant effect of stimulation of the endothelium is vasodilation. It is tempting to hypothesize that endothelial dysfunction is one of the initial steps involved in the development of atherosclerosis, but also in peripheral artery atherosclerosis. Impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the coronary arteries has been demonstrated not only in patients with documented atherosclerosis and/or established cardiovascular risk factors. Noninvasive evaluation of brachial artery vasoactivity using high resolution B-mode ultrasound is currently being established to evaluate endothelial function. We studied the endothelial function in 50 normal volunteers, 28 hypertensive subjects, and 31 hypercholesterolemia subjects. The diameter of the target artery was measured from two-dimensional ultrasound images with 10 MHz linear transducer. The results suggested that antihypertensive therapy with a certain calcium antagonist did not have a favorable effect on endothelial function and after cessation of cholesterol lowering therapy, the endothelial dysfunction developed again. The endothelial function can now be readily measured in humans and is very useful research tool to assess the effect of risk factors and their treatment on vascular function. Endothelial function testing will assume a prominent role in the evaluation and treatment of patients at risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis and its sequelae.
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PMID:Noninvasive evaluation of endothelial function. 1143 34

Many acquired risk factors may be identified to avoid the scholarly nature of these interminable lists, they may be reclassified with respect to their originality or their mechanism of action and those of current interest, whose data is still often hypothetical but recent, can be underlined. The following order may be proposed: risk factors which cannot be changed: age (which remains the principal factor) and gender (women being at higher risk than men); true acquired risk factors such as cancer, dysimmune conditions (more specifically, the antiphospholipid syndrome) and hormone replacement therapy (oestroprogestative contraception which has been updated by the debate about "third generation pills" and the risk related to progesterone-like substances themselves; hormone replacement therapy of the menopause which still has no clinical trials to assess "our" forms with natural hormones administered transdermally or transmucosally). Smoking has also been accused of being a risk factor for venous thrombosis in the latest clinical trials. Metabolic factors increase the risk of thrombosis: this is established for obesity, still suspected for hyperhomocystonaemia, the abnormalities being the result of complex gene-environment interactions. Other dysmetabolic conditions (diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia), responsible for arterial complications, are not clearly related to increased venous thromboembolic risk although a preventive effect of statins (yet another I) has just been reported. Similarly to these metabolic factors, the origin of which, genetic or environmental, is difficult to establish, interest has recently been shown in quantitative and functional changes in blood clotting factors. This has been established for arterial disease for fibrinogen but, in addition to this factor which slightly increases the risk of venous thrombosis, increases of factor VIII independent of inflammatory conditions, of blood group and Von Willebrand factor, which all influence the level of factor VIII, an increase by 150% of the normal increases the risk of venous thromboembolic disease by 3 or 4 times. As for factor VIII, increases in factor IX, factor XI, and resistance to activated C protein (independently of the Leiden mutation on the gene for factor V), are also associated in increased venous thromboembolic risk. Without knowing into which category to classify them, previous personal and family history of thromboembolic disease, in the absence of the already mentioned hereditary risk factors, must be noted. Finally, amongst the acquired risk factors, the authors also list conditions of blood stasis and vascular lesions with or without hypercoagulability (surgery, prolonged hospital stays, cardiac failure, paralysis, pregnancy...). Of these acquired conditions which increase the risk of thrombotic complications, particular attention has been given over the last few years to forced immobilisation in uncomfortable positions as in certain forms of transport. Although clinical reports have discordant results, it would seem that the risk is increased and the benefits of supportive elastic stockings have been confirmed. If the acquired risk is identified and quantified for a patient, it allows evaluation of global risk and the installation of appropriate therapeutic measures.
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PMID:[Venous thromboembolic pathology. New acquired risk factors or new data on acquired risk factors]. 1179 76

It is well known that cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are high in diabetic patients. Cardiac involvement is silent and early and these diabetic patients generally complain of chronic fatigue. This study was designed to evaluate the relation between glycemic control and exercise capacity in 330 diabetic patients who have no cardiac symptoms by sustaining dynamic exercise. After a cardiac examination, patients with coronary heart disease, ECG abnormalities, cardiac failure, valvular disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, anaemia and peripheral neuropathy were excluded. Plasma HbA1c and lipid levels were obtained and a symptom limited exercise test based on "Bruce Protocol" was performed on all patients. Plasma HbA1c levels were significantly increased in smokers and in hypercholesterolemic patients (p<0.001, p=0.006). A moderate correlation between exercise capacity and HbA1c levels, and a weak correlation between duration of diabetes, age, sex, hypertension and plasma lipids were obtained. Multivariant regression analys is revealed that only HbA1c and hypercholesterolemia affected exercise capacity independently (r=-0.54 r=-0.30). In conclusion, poor glycemic control in diabetic patients causes earlier cellular involvement. Because of the high affinity of HbA1c to oxygen, the energy metabolism of the cell is affected, with a clinical correlation between chronic fatigue and worsening exercise capacity.
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PMID:Serum HbA1c levels and exercise capacity in diabetic patients. 1180 2

Atherosclerosis, a chronic systemic disease of the vasculature with an inflammatory component, is the primary cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Impairment of vascular endothelial cell function in atherosclerosis and in conditions associated with increased cardiovascular risk are important determinants of disease progression. Reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in the coronary and systemic circulation due to decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and increased release of oxygen-derived free radicals promotes the adhesion of leukocytes, thrombosis, inflammation, cell proliferation, and increases in vascular tone. In addition to decreases in bioactive NO, enhanced production of the 21-amino acid peptide endothelin-1 contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. This paper discusses mechanisms and therapeutic approaches to improving endothelial pathways in atherosclerosis. Restoration of endothelium-derived NO bioactivity through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system, the endothelin system, or statin therapy improves vascular function in experimental hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and heart failure. These treatments may also have therapeutic benefit for patients at risk or with overt atherosclerosis, and are likely to reduce vascular and myocardial complications of this disease.
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PMID:Endothelium and atherogenesis: endothelial therapy revisited. 1181 71

Aging is considered a product of an interaction between genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Are centenarians, who have almost arrived at the maximum life-span (120 yrs), free of cardiovascular disease or do they have an increased resistance? How many cardiovascular risk factors are present? We have studied a group of 148 centenarians selected from registered residents of Rome (average age 101.8 +/- 1.9; range 100-108). Their health was assessed through direct 1.5 hour interviews, conducted by physicians with geriatric training at the patient's residence, which includes geriatric assessment scales' submission. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease of our centenarians is 16.7%, represented by heart failure (8%), myocardial infarction (4.7%) and angina pectoris (4%). Among the cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension (31.1%) and hypercholesterolemia are the most frequent, while diabetes is not present. These data, compared with younger samples, point out a lower percentage of cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Moreover centenarians have always conducted a healthy lifestyle (Mediterranean diet, smoking abstention, physical activity, low levels of anxiety and depression). Finally, having identified the golden mean which allows us to carry out a programmed intervention for the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, we will be able to increase longevity, allowing a larger number of subjects to reach the maximum human life-span.
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PMID:[Cardiovascular risk factors and diseases in centenarians]. 1182 92

The UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recently published guidelines on prophylaxis for patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction (MI). Based on a previously commissioned extensive review of the literature, the recommendations are antiplatelet therapy, beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) for all patients; statins for those with hypercholesterolaemia; spironolactone for those with moderate-to-severe heart failure (HF); and insulin for those with diabetes. While there may be concerns about some of the details (eg., the possible adverse interaction between aspirin and ACEIs), comments on the use of statins for those with HF, the lack of advice on the choice of lipid-lowering therapy for those intolerent of statins, the dangers of spironolactone therapy and the practicality of intensive insulin treatment, the guidelines are firmly based on sound evidence of efficacy and cost effectiveness. The NICE guidelines should therefore stimulate the provision of resources to address the gap between current practice and these recommendations.
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PMID:A critical evaluation of the NICE guidelines for post-myocardial infarction prophylaxis. National Institute for Clinical Excellence. 1182 36

The aim of the CASTEL, a population-based (n=3282) prospective study which began 14 years ago, was to identify those items which had a prognostic impact in the elderly, and to evaluate whether the typical cardiovascular risk factors, particularly arterial hypertension, play a role after the age of 65 years. Initial screening, final follow-up and annual detection of mortality were performed. Mantel-Hanszel approach and multivariate Cox model were used for statistics. Cardiovascular mortality was 23.3% in normotensive, 23.3% in borderline, and 25% in the sustained hypertensive subjects (insignificant difference). In women, the incidence of stroke and coronary artery disease weakly depended on pulse pressure. Historical stroke and myocardial infarction predicted cardiovascular mortality in women; diabetes, uricaemia and high heart rate in men. In the very old, the predictors were less numerous, and blood pressure was not a predictor whatsoever; pulse blood pressure and murmurs at the neck were especially predictive in women, historical heart failure, proteinuria and tachycardia in men, historical stroke and myocardial infarction, pulmonary disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes and uricaemia in both genders. The elderly have a different cardiovascular risk pattern compared to younger people. Hypertension is not a predictor of coronary and stroke mortality. Prognosis depends on pulse pressure rather than on the label 'hypertension'. Hypercholesterolaemia is not a risk factor. This could simply indicate that elderly persons are the survivors in a population where significant mortality has already made its mark, eliminating those with the worst risk pattern. The two genders have a different risk profile due to sex-specific susceptibility to risk factors.
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PMID:Weak effect of hypertension and other classic risk factors in the elderly who have already paid their toll. 1184 Feb 26

The objectives of treating hypertension are to achieve adequate control of blood pressure (BP) and maintain it under tight control. Maintenance of tight control of BP will most likely prevent stroke, heart attack, and heart failure, cause regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, and quite possibly preserve or improve renal function. The last two salutary effects combined will further reduce the morbidity and mortality in the treated hypertensive subjects. Choice of antihypertensive drugs is of significant importance so that our efforts to control hypertension do not grossly alter the quality of life. The cost of therapy is also an important consideration. Thus, thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, and central inhibitors that are relatively inexpensive and adequately lower BP should be a common choice. However, if drowsiness interferes with work, or impotence becomes a threat for the marital partner or significant other, adjustment has to be made. The metabolic abnormalities consisting mainly of impaired glucose tolerance, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance often induced by these relatively inexpensive drugs have put calcium channel blocker and ACE inhibitor group of drugs on the top of the list for antihypertensive therapy. They are far more expensive, yet offer no greater antihypertensive advantage than a diuretic or central inhibitor, except in special circumstances.
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PMID:Profiling Antihypertensive Therapy. 1185 Jul

Endothelial production of nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide, NO) has become a major research area in vascular biology. Some of the most important effects that NO exerts in the vascular wall are potentially vasoprotective, because these effects maintain important physiological functions such as vasodilation, anticoagulation, leucocyte adhesion, smooth muscle proliferation, and the antioxidative capacity. During the last 2 decades it has become apparent that a variety of diseases are associated with an impairment of endothelium-dependent NO activity. One of the major causes is believed to be an increased production of reactive oxygen species, in particular superoxide, which have been shown to interfere with many steps of the NO--cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. This phenomenon has been found in diverse conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, heart failure, and cigarette smoking. The aim of this review is to examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms whereby NO exerts potentially vasoprotective effects and to discuss pharmacologic approaches targeting the NO pathway in view of their potential to improve endothelial function and to reduce the progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease. We conclude that there is compelling evidence for vasoprotective actions of NO which are mediated by cGMP-dependent and cGMP-independent mechanisms. These effects may contribute to the beneficial effects of established drugs such as ACE inhibitors or statins. Unfortunately, clinical data on the effect of long-term treatment with nitrates on the progression of coronary artery disease are lacking. Finally, L-arginine or new activators of the NO pathway may become therapeutic options in the future.
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PMID:Vasoprotection by nitric oxide: mechanisms and therapeutic potential. 1212 64

Reduction of large artery distensibility has several adverse consequences for the cardiovascular system. This paper reviews the evidence obtained by measuring distensibility through quantification of changes in arterial diameter versus blood pressure changes at large elastic and middle size muscle artery sites. Evidence is available that arterial distensibility is reduced in conditions as varied as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes and congestive heart failure. In some conditions (e.g. hypertension) the alterations are not uniformly distributed in arteries of different structure and size whereas in others (e.g. diabetes and heart failure) they are widespread. In diabetes evidence is available that distensibility changes occur early in the course of the disease. Evidence is also available that in all above conditions treatment can improve arterial distensibility thereby reversing the initial abnormality. This appears to be due to a variable combination of structural and functional factors. Technical ability to determine their precise role in distensibility changes in humans is limited, however.
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PMID:Arterial distensibility in humans. Modulating mechanisms, alterations in diseases and effects of treatment. 1235 60


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