Sarcopenia and Heart Failure.

Modifications of lean mass are a frequent critical determinant in the pathophysiology and progression of heart failure (HF). Sarcopenia may be considered one of the most important causes of low physical performance and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness in older patients with HF. Sarcopenia is frequently misdiagnosed as cachexia.

Type 2 myocardial infarction: is it a geriatric syndrome?

Type 2 myocardial infarctions (T2-MI) is a type of necrosis that results from reduced oxygen supply and/or increased demand secondary to other causes unrelated to acute coronary atherothrombosis. The development and implementation of sensitive and high-sensitivity cardiac necrosis marker and the age-related increase of comorbidity lead to a boost of the frequency of T2-MI. T2-MI is often a complication of a high degree of clinical frailty in older adults, emerging as a "geriatric syndrome".

Long-term follow-up in high risk hypertensive patients with carotid dolicoarteriopathies.

Background: Carotid dolicoarteriopathies (CDA) are a common finding during the carotid ultrasound or angiography, but their potential role in the development of cerebrovascular diseases is still unclear. Aim of this study is to clarify the possible relationship between CDA and the occurrence of cerebral events.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on 2124 hypertensive patients with high cardiovascular risk that underwent carotid ultrasound from January 2000 to December 2008.

The impairment of the Growth Hormone/Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis in heart failure: A possible target for future therapy.

Hormonal abnormalities are quite common in chronic heart failure (CHF). The most studied hormonal axis in CHF is the impairment of Growth Hormone (GH)/Insulin Growth Factor-1(IGF-1), which in turn is defined either by a blunted response to GH stimulation test or low serum IGF-1 values.  Several independent groups reported that the presence of an abnormal GH/IGF-1 status in CHF is associated with a more severe disease, impaired functional capacity and reduced Survival rates.

Testosterone treatment in chronic heart failure. Review of literature and future perspectives.

Mounting evidence suggests that hormonal deficiencies (HD) have an important role in chronic heart failure (CHF). In particular, androgen depletion is common in men with CHF and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the current understanding of the complex relationship between CHF and testosterone, focusing on evidence derived from clinical trials that have investigated the role of testosterone in the treatment of CHF.