Prevalence of proximal ascending aorta and target organ damage in hypertensive patients: the multicentric ARGO-SIIA project (Aortic RemodellinG in hypertensiOn of the Italian Society of Hypertension).

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ascending aortic dilatation and to evaluate the possible association between proximal aorta dilatation and structural or functional markers of cardiac organ damage in hypertensive patients.

Background: Dilatation of the sinus of valsalva (SoV) is a common finding in clinical practice and it is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients: less is known about the dilatation prevalence of the subsequent portion, the proper ascending aorta and its relationship with cardiovascular organ damage.

Methods: This multicentric study included 582 hypertensive and 104 normotensive control individuals.

Hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease risk.

Uric acid (UA) is the final end product of purine catabolism and is formed from xanthines and hypoxanthines. Hyperuricemia can be secondary to either an exaggerated production of UA that follows high cellular turnover conditions or, most frequently, to a low renal excretion in patients with impaired renal function. Recent data suggest that serum UA (SUA) at high-normal level is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiovascular disease, often being a predictor of incident events.

Omega-3 in antiarrhythmic therapy : cons position.

The association between omega-3 (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and the clinical outcome of patients with cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease is currently unclear, especially regarding its possible antiarrhythmic effects and the not quite understood mechanisms of action. In the last 15 years, several epidemiological studies have shown a lower incidence of sudden cardiac death with a diet rich in omega-3 or fish consumption. The antiarrhythmic properties related to omega-3 have been related to modulation of sodium-dependent ion channels or sodium-calcium exchangers of myocytes through a reduction of their excitability especially in ischaemic or damaged myocardial tissue.