Biomarkers are any measurable biochemical characteristics of an organism that reflect a particular physiological state. Biomarkers can take many different forms including particular proteins or peptides, antibodies, cell types, metabolites, hormones, enzyme levels, compounds related to genomics, etc. A biomarker can also be a substance introduced into a patient to assess the internal organ systems role. In medicine, biomarkers considered as compounds isolated from serum, urine, or other fluids, can be used as an indicator of the presence or severity of a particular disease state. The use of biomarkers is becoming a fundamental practice in medicine, Biomarker research involves a significantly greater scope of laboratory medicine. This monograph presents information on several types of biomarkers for general pathologies (preeclampsia, metabolic syndrome, iron metabolism, bone disease, liver function, renal function), cardiovascular pathology (including atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, thrombotic disorders) and sepsis. Additional information on endocrine and salivary biomarkers is also presented. New Trends in Biomarkers and Diseases: An Overview is an ideal reference for medical students, pathology trainees and clinical researchers seeking information on biomarkers in medicine.

In recent decades, the prevalence of heart failure has steadily increased and can be considered a contemporary cardiovascular epidemic. Therefore, treatment of heart failure is a primary focus of cardiovascular disease management strategies. Cardiac resynchronization therapy: an established pacing therapy for heart failure and mechanical dyssynchrony provides basic knowledge about congestive heart failure and also covers the evolution of cardiac resynchronization therapy. State-of-the-art information and future directions of this therapeutic tool are explained. As cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a new therapy which still undergoes rapid advancement, it is imperative to provide updates on key issues. These include technological advances, the unique role of imaging to assess mechanical dyssynchrony, troubleshooting, recent key clinical trials, and the incorporation of monitoring capabilities into CRT or CRT plus defibrillation devices. Cardiac resynchronization therapy is an exciting new option for a growing number of heart failure patients, but CRT systems present special challenges to clinicians, even those accustomed to working with pacemakers.

Cardiac Care and COVID-19: Perspectives in Medical Practice is an accessible reference on diagnoses and treatment modalities for cardiac diseases in general, and emergency cardiac conditions to be more specific, with respect to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Chapters in the book give updated descriptions of common problems in emergency medicine and cardiovascular disease. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific cardiovascular disease and explains management principles, diagnostic procedures and therapy. Examples of medical cases have also been used to highlight complex issues to give a concrete understanding of the cardiac care in COVID-19 patients to the medical practitioner, whether they are involved in critical care or in outpatient clinics. Key Features: - Clinical guidelines for critical care and cardiovascular management of COVID-19 patients - Topic-based information about cardiovascular diseases - Covers a range of cardiovascular problems including myocarditis, arrhythmias, chest pain, acute coronary syndrome - Information on pulmonary embolism and associated problems - Reader friendly presentation - Case-based examples for explaining concepts The range of topics combined with the simple presentation make this an essential reference for healthcare workers in emergency medicine, cardiology and nursing. General physicians interested in the cardiovascular impact of COVID-19 will also benefit from the information provided in the book.

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most frequent malformation in the human fetus and are the leading cause of mortality due to malformations in the first year of life. Despite its clinical importance screening performed by ultrasonographic examination during the second trimester of pregnancy has shown disappointingly low detection rates mainly due to the difficulties in obtaining an adequate examination of the fetal heart. Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound of the fetal heart has been recently suggested as a tool to improve the detection rate of CHD by decreasing the dependency on operator skills required in two-dimensional ultrasound scans but up to now no practical manuals are available in describing its application in clinical practice for the study of fetal heart. The objective of this Ebook is to explain the role of 4D during second trimester examination and in fetuses with CHD. T

This e-book starts with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles in Electrocardiography (ECG) with just enough depth to lift the reader above the crowd when it comes to understanding the physics behind ECG. Subsequent chapters provide an approach to the analysis of the ECG. The most important followed by sections with insight into conduction abnormalities, arrhythmia, and myocardial ischemia. The e-book has a straightforward layout, a very clear format, and abundant ECG tracings for interested readers. The diagnostic algorithms provided in the volume prove to be very useful in daily medical practice. Overall, the e-book will help novice physicians, students and fellows to improve their knowledge in ECG interpretation. Electrocardiography (ECG) is, therefore, a very attractive book for all levels of physicians and health-care professionals interested in ECG and it is a welcome addition to the medical literature.

"Degenerative aortic valve disease is the most prominent cardiac valve disease in Western societies. This volume describes some of the more important issues and problems for this condition: its progressive character and the underlying mechanisms of this progression diagnostic difficulties 1) ascertainment of valvular origin of symptoms in elderly; 2) the challenge of the low output – low gradient syndrome; 3) moderate aortic valve calcification during CABG; 4) prediction of the rate of progression (who will need surgery on short term and who not). the burden on the left ventricle and its consequences (danger of postponement of surgery) the effect and the modalities (access, types of valves) of surgical treatment on survival (and QoL) the mode of registering postoperative complications determining predictors for valve related, non-valve related cardiac and non-cardiac postoperative complications. The e-book is a unique presentation, specific to degenerative aortic valve disease and its treatment including information about ways to deal with the progressive character of the disease (autophagy as a mode of cell death). Cardiologists still avoid or delay referring patients to the surgeon for the sake of age, left ventricular function or co-morbidity. Therefore, the e-book benefits readers by addressing the above issue and providing critical information for changing referral policy, which would ultimately enhance postoperative survival of patients suffering from heart valve disease."

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are known to play an important role in gene expression regulation. Owing to their ever-increasing implications in the control of various biological and pathological processes, miRNAs have now been considered novel biomarkers of various human diseases including, cancer, viral disease, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disturbances, etc. Unique expression profiles have been associated with specific pathological states. Cardiovascular disease is among the main causes of mortality in developed countries. The pathological process of the heart is associated with altered expression profile of genes that are important for cardiac function. The implications of miRNAs in the pathological process of the cardiovascular system have recently been recognized, and the research on miRNAs in relation to cardiovascular disease is now in rapid progress. The aim of this ebook is to present updated research on the subject with analyses from published reports. Micro RNAs and Cardiovascular Disease caters to the growing interest and information needs of cardiac clinicians and gene expression researchers.

Historically, patients with advanced structural heart disease have required major surgery to correct the defect. This includes, for example, patients with atrial septal defect, aortic valve disease and mitral valve disease. In recent years there have been major advances in the treatment of patients with structural heart disease using minimally invasive, percutaneous treatments. This field continues to evolve quite quickly. This e-book outlines the current situation with respect to minimally invasive treatment of a wide range of structural cardiac defects. Each chapter covers details of a structural defect and outlines various technologies available for treating the condition. Indications for procedures as well as details of the procedures are also provided wherever possible. This e-book should be a useful reference for readers interested in minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery.