Increased local cytokine production at culprit superficial femoral artery plaques.

Characterization of local inflammation at culprit superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenosis has not been studied. We hypothesized that arterial cytokine concentrations would be greater at sites of stenosis. Twenty patients with ≥50 % angiographic stenosis of the SFA had blood drawn just proximal to the lesion and from a contralateral site free of disease.

Transradial cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention: a review.

Campeau in 1989 and subsequently Kiemeneij and Laarman in 1993 successfully attempted diagnostic cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), respectively, using the radial artery. Since then, the technique has evolved significantly with improvement in catheters and operators gaining experience in transradial (TR) procedures. Short recovery time, less bleeding complications, and enhanced patient satisfaction made the TR approach a preferred route to perform cardiac catheterization and PCIs in an increasing number of countries.

C-reactive protein: the harbinger of cardiovascular diseases.

Coronary heart disease remains the major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States and other western countries despite major advances in its treatment. During the last decades, many markers of coronary artery disease have been found which help predict future risk of cardiovascular events. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein has been studied extensively and was seen to be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes and/or peripheral artery disease.

Critical appraisal of C-reactive protein throughout the spectrum of cardiovascular disease.

Clinicians involved in the care of patients with cardiovascular conditions have recently been confronted with an important body of literature linking inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Indeed, the level of systemic inflammation as measured by circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) has been linked to prognosis in patients with atherosclerotic disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, myocarditis, aortic valve disease and heart transplantation. In addition, a number of basic science reports suggest an active role for CRP in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.

C-reactive protein as a novel biomarker. Reactant can flag atherosclerosis and help predict cardiac events.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a relatively nonspecific marker of inflammation. However, it can be used to monitor the severity and progression of some well-defined cardiovascular diseases. For example, it can predict serious events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who are hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction (MI), or advanced peripheral vascular disease.