Are we on the path to solve the enigma of resistant hypertension: renal sympathetic denervation.

Renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) opens new perspectives and possibilities not only in the treatment of resistant hypertension but also of other cardiometabolic diseases. In patients with hypertension, it has been demonstrated that activity of the sympathetic nervous system correlates with grade of hypertension. Decreasing sympathetic activity using RSD significantly reduces blood pressure in resistant hypertension.

The role of echocardiography in diagnosis and follow up of patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy or acute ballooning syndrome.

Background: The transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy was first described in Japan approximately 20 years ago (Satoh and coworkers, 1991). It was later described elsewhere as well and is being increasingly recognized. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy characterized by transient apical and midventricular LV dysfunction in the absence of significant coronary artery disease that is triggered by emotional or physical stress.

The role of dobutamine stress echocardiography in detecting coronary artery disease compared with coronary angiography.

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) causes more deaths, disability and economic loss in developed and developing countries than any other disease. Our country belongs to the group of countries in transition, and it has seen a continuous growth in mortality and morbidity rates caused by cardiovascular diseases. An early, accurate and fast diagnosis of the myocardial ischemia is the main step toward reducing patient morbidity and mortality, and hospital costs.

Advantages of renin-angiotensin system blockade in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a key role in the regulation of cardiovascular function, with angiotensin II being involved in hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic mechanism in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. A number of studies demonstrated that pharamacological modulation of the RAS, either with angiotensin converting (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), provides cardiovascular and renal protection. Blockade of the RAS, either with ACE inhibitors or ARBs, decreases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in high risk patients.

Is aliskiren superior to inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin receptor blockers in renin-angiotensin system blockade?

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in development of hypertension, heart failure, as well as in the whole process of nephropathy, particularly of diabetic nephropathy, with or without proteinuria. Blockade of RAS plays the key role in the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors do not provide the full blockade of angiotensin II because it is produced through alternative pathways.