Atrial fibrillation is initiated by triggers in combination with underlying atrial substrate. Horizons in World Cardiovascular Research. Volume 17 discusses how innovations in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging techniques, especially late gadolinium enhancement imaging, have advanced our ability to better understand and accurately identify fibrosis in the atrial myocardium of atrial fibrillation patients. According to the nephron number hypothesis, individuals born with kidneys with fewer nephrons would be at increased risk for hypertension and renal disease later in life. Evidence supporting...

Horizons in World Cardiovascular Research. Volume 18 opens with a chapter reviewing the literature regarding the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and iloprost treatment, either alone or in combination, on ischemia/reperfusion injury. Ductus arteriosus is a fetal circulatory pathway which helps to redirect blood flow to the placenta in the fetus and spontaneously closes shortly after birth. The clinical and laboratory features of isolated patent ductus arteriosus are reviewed, along with indications for closure, methods of closure, and results. The authors briefly summarize the...

Horizons in World Cardiovascular Research. Volume 19 studies the binding capabilities of cariprazine, clozapine, risperidone, olazapine, quentiapine, ziprazidone, aripirazole, haloperidol, blonanserin, iloperidone, eticlopride, amisulpride and nemonapride. The comprehensive understanding of the molecular-level mechanisms of drug-induced side effects associated with cardiovascular diseases is of paramount importance for the effective management of schizophrenia. Thoracic aortic surgery has undergone major changes in the last two decades, resulting in more favourable short- and long-term...

Horizons in World Cardiovascular Research. Volume 20 first explores preventive cardiology, a new subspecialty in cardiovascular medicine, discussing how it is possible to modify lifestyle and coronary risk factors well in advance of clinical events. The authors describes an approach to echocardiography of the aortic arch for reliable demonstration of the arch segments while reducing confounding from a patent ductus arteriosus. This compilation goes on to discuss intravascular ultrasound, which complements the conventional angiographic study and allows for the acquirement of high definition...

This monograph comprises seven chapters, each detailing recent advancements in the field of cardiovascular research. Chapter One describes the various benefits that progesterone has on the cardiovascular system. Chapter Two aims to describe congenital heart disease in well-characterized syndromes and update the possible causes of genetic origin. Chapter Three aims to update and review the hemodynamic evaluation and percutaneous intervention in congenital heart disease. Chapter Four is focused on the evaluation and treatment of intermediate coronary plaque. Chapter Five presents a review of...

This volume includes five chapters that present recent updates in cardiovascular research from around the world. Chapter One discusses how histamine is transported from the gut via the bloodstream to the heart and puts forward novel evidence that histamine can be produced in the heart itself. Chapter Two provides an analytical comparison of induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and cardiosphere-derived cells commonly used for clinical cardiac applications. Chapter Three compares outcomes of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with those who...