The role of microRNAs in the initiation and progression of stable atheromatous plaque.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic process related to several underlying mechanisms leading to the formation and evolution of atherosclerotic plaque. Of great interest are during the last years short, non-coding RNAs, called microRNAs and responsible for several aspects of homeostasis and disease. According to the available data microRNAs are expressed in the cardiovascular system and have key roles in normal states, as well as in disease development and progression.

Stable angina pectoris: current medical treatment.

Stable angina represents the main symptom of established coronary artery disease. In addition atherosclerosis is the common pathological substrate of chronic stable angina as well as acute coronary syndromes. The aim of stable angina management is the symptomatic relief and the secondary prevention.

Insight to the pathophysiology of stable angina pectoris.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease which mainly represents an inflammatory response in the vessels. Myocardial ischemia manifested by angina pectoris can be either acute or chronic and usually is a result of imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and myocardial oxygen demand. Chronic stable angina is chest discomfort attributed to myocardial ischemia without the presence of necrosis and is the most common symptom encountered by emergency room physicians.

Heart rate as a therapeutic target in angina pectoris.

Heart rate is a major determinant of cardiac output and myocardial oxygen utilization and is increasingly being nominated as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite this evidence, screening strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases do not include routine assessment of resting heart rate. Reasonably, heart rate reduction has been suggested as a useful approach against angina pectoris in subjects with acute or chronic coronary syndromes.