Inflammation in Heart Failure: known knowns and unknown unknowns.

The review deals with inflammation in heart failure (HF). Many data show that systemic inflammation is frequent in HF and implicate that inflammation contributes to damage and dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. Areas Covered: Experimental data have been mainly obtained in acute laboratory animal models.

Anti-thromboembolic strategies in atrial fibrillation.

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is highly effective for stroke prevention in high-risk-patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is also a risk for dementia, and effective OAC reduces the risk of dementia. Up to 30% of patients with AF have a coronary artery disease and antiplatelets are used to avoid thrombotic complications.

New concepts in the therapy of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is a frequent arrhythmia with increasing prevalence. The paper reviews the most important present aspects and paradigms in the treatment of the arrhythmia. The main aim of treatment is directed to improve the quality of life while reducing morbidity and mortality.

Angina pectoris in patients without flow-limiting coronary artery disease (cardiac syndrome X). A forest of a variety of trees.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) represents an important problem worldwide. At present, more women than men are evaluated for CHD and it has been recognized that the prevalence of this pathology in women is at least the same as in men. We have learned that cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is frequent because worldwide each year millions of people (mostly women) with angina pectoris without flow-limiting epicardial pathology are identified.