Systems medicine approaches for the definition of complex phenotypes in chronic diseases and ageing. From concept to implementation and policies.

Chronic diseases are diseases of long duration and slow progression. Major NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, rheumatologic diseases and mental health) represent the predominant health problem of the Century. The prevention and control of NCDs are the priority of the World Health Organization 2008 Action Plan, the United Nations 2010 Resolution and the European Union 2010 Council.

[Assessment of arterial occlusive disease with Duplex sonography. Prospective study].

Occlusive disease involving the renal arteries represent a major cause of curable hypertension and improvement of renal dysfunction. Angiography is still the major diagnostic procedure. Isotopic methods with Captopril and split-function studies have shown high incidence of false-positive and false-negative results.