Background: The emergence of coronary heart disease is increased with menopause, physical inactivity and with dyslipidemia. Physical training is known to promote the improvement of cardiovascular functions. Objective: To investigate the effects of aerobic physical training on the left ventricle in ovariectomized LDL knockout mice. Methods: Thirty animals were divided into 6 groups (n = 5): Sedentary non-ovariectomized control; Sedentary ovariectomized control; Trained ovariectomized control; Sedentary non-ovariectomized LDL-knockout, sedentary ovariectomized LDL-knockout and trained ovariectomized LDL-knockout. We analyzed the average parameters […]

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are present in coronary artery disease (CAD) and are linked to the activation of the transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-?B). To attenuate these complications, transcription factors like nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-?/? (PPAR?/?) can be activated to inhibit NF-?B. However, the available data on expression of NF-?B, Nrf2 and PPAR?/? in CAD patients are limited. Objective: To evaluate the expression of the transcription factors NF-?B and Nrf2 and […]

Abstract Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is considered an often underdiagnosed acute coronary syndrome, with few cases described in literature. Its association with physical exercise among young patients without risk factors or atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is even rarer. For this reason, a study was conducted on the subject, describing the clinical conditions, conduct and evolution regarding the suspicion of spontaneous exercise-related coronary artery dissection in three young patients without risk factors or CAD. Clinical conditions varied, with predominant recurrent chest […]

Abstract Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has gained a prominent role in the evaluation of coronary artery disease. However, its anatomical nature does not allow the evaluation of the functional repercussion of coronary obstructions. It has been made possible to evaluate Myocardial computed tomography perfusion (Myocardial CTP) recently, based on myocardial contrast changes related to coronary stenoses. Several studies have validated this technique against the anatomical reference method (cardiac catheterization) and other functional methods, including myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and fractional […]

Background: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has long been recognized as a global health issue. Inflammation, Fibrinolysis and Oxidative Stress play an important role in the disruption of plaques leading to CAD. Markers that reflect this pathophysiologic mechanism may have prognostic value. Objective: To estimate the serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), sialic acid (SA), vitronectin (VN), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), oxidized low density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) with significant prognostic value in patients with CAD. Methods: The markers […]

Background: Elevated plasma levels of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are recognized as a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. However, there are limited data regarding association between Lp(a) and recurrent heart failure (HF) in patients with chronic HF caused by coronary heart disease (CHD). Objective: Elevated levels of Lp(a) might have a prognostic impact on recurrent HF in patients with chronic HF caused by CHD. Methods: A total of 309 patients with chronic HF caused by CHD were consecutively enrolled in […]

Background: Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is an abnormal connection that links a coronary artery to a cardiac chamber or another major blood vessel. Several studies have shown the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and cardiovascular diseases. In the literature, there is no previous study about the association between hematologic parameters and congenital CAF. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the association of MPV with CAF. Methods: 70 patients with normal coronary arteries and 50 with coronary artery fistulas […]