Current Vascular Pharmacology - Volume 7, Issue 2, 2009

Four approved plasma preparations are available in most European countries: fresh frozen plasma, lyophilized plasma, solvent/detergent(SD)-treated plasma and methylene blue/light-treated plasma. Evidence of the clinical efficacy of plasma is mainly based on controlled or uncontrolled observational studies, case reports or expert opinion. As definitions of evidence grades used in previous guidelines and recommendation Read More

Blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important and common vascular risk factors but it is often poorly controlled. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) provides beneficial effects in hypertensives. The association of low-dosed diuretics in combination with RAAS blocking agents allows maximum benefit from potassium depletion and control of compensatory increase in renin secretion, so inc Read More

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized not only by profound abnormalities in the haemodynamic profile but also by changes in sympathetic cardiovascular function. These neurogenic abnormalities are important features of the disease that can affect the prognosis of CHF and to become a target for therapeutic intervention. This article addresses 4 major issues. It will first examine the evidence that a hyperadrenergic stat Read More

Stroke is among the most common causes of death and persisting disability and therefore represents a great social and economic burden worldwide. In order to lower this burden it is essential to identify risk factors and respective preventive strategies. Besides the established stroke risk factors (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, atrial fibrillation) both acute and chronic infectious diseases have emerg Read More

The introduction of ultrasound screening combined with the increasingly elderly population means that the number of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) detected is expected to increase over the next decade. At present open or endovascular surgery are the only treatment options for AAA. In this mini-review we discuss the rationale and ongoing attempts to develop non-surgical therapies for AAA.

The use of intravenous (i.v.) antihypertensives in the treatment of cardiovascular-related hypertensive emergencies crosses distinct areas of clinical care and therapeutic applications. From first contact with emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, through the entire course of patient evaluation and care to medication considerations at the time of discharge, the applications for the i.v. antihypertensives are multiple an Read More

Obesity is a risk factor for complications of atherosclerotic vascular disease such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated that the vascular risk associated with obesity is correlated particularly with visceral adiposity. These clinical observations indicate that various adipose tissue depots may have differential effects on vascular risk. Cellular constituents of adipose tissue secrete cytokines and Read More

Over the past 20 years, conventional ultrasonography has identified features of the “unstable” carotid plaque. Histological studies have recognized that plaque inflammation and neoangiogenesis play a pivotal role in the developing of the vulnerable plaque. Hence, the growing interest on the biological activities of atherosclerotic lesions leading to cerebrovascular events. The presence of adventitial vasa vasorum and the occur Read More

The 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway is responsible for the production of leukotrienes (LTs), inflammatory lipid mediators which play a role in innate immunity. More recently, a pivotal role of LTs in ischemia-reperfusion and shock injury has been suggested. In fact, these pathological conditions are characterized by a severe neutrophil infiltration that gives rise to tissue injury and 5-LO metabolites control neutrophil recruitment in inju Read More

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity accounting for more than 40% of total mortality in Western countries, most of which is due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including ST and non- ST elevation myocardial infarction. An optimal pharmacological approach in these patients is of major importance with a particular emphasis on the antiplatelet regimen, which remai Read More

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in industrialized nations. The risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly reduced by lifestyle choices that promote cardiovascular health. Epidemiological data demonstrate that poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, stress, and pollution all increase cardiovascular risk. Poor habits and choices also have been shown to have adverse ef Read More

OBJECTIVE: In order to provide an overview of current knowledge, the literature was systematically examined for clinical studies, which evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bosentan in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). SOURCES: 3 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and BIOSIS) were searched for the period January 2000 - October 2007 using the key words “pulmonary arterial hypertension”, “bosentan”, and “pe Read More

Atherosclerosis is now recognised as a chronic inflammatory disease occurring within the artery wall and ultimately responsible for myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. A crucial step in atherogenesis is the infiltration of monocytes into the subendothelial space of large arteries where they differentiate into macrophages and become functionally active. Macrophage accumulation within plaques is a Read More

Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, accounting for about 10% of all forms of high blood pressure. Life-time pharmacological therapy is the treatment of choice for primary aldosteronism due to idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia (IHA), while adrenalectomy is effective in curing most patients with an aldosterone producing adenoma (APA). Far from being a benign form of hype Read More

Vascular embolisation agents are particles or fluids that can be released into the bloodstream through a catheter to mechanically and/or biologically occlude the target vessel, either temporarily or permanently. This definition excludes vessel-blocking agents or devices such as balloons and coils, which are positioned at the target site, as opposed to released in the bloodstream. Vascular embolisation agents are available Read More