Thoracic Key

Introduction Many patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) have clinically significant depression: a costly, disease-accelerating comorbidity that is associated with compromised health-related quality of life and reduced quality-adjusted life…

Fundamentals of Radionuclide Imaging Radionuclide imaging techniques are widely used in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The basic principle underlying this approach is…

Introduction Over many decades, echocardiography has evolved considerably to provide a comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure and function in a truly bedside manner. Echocardiography is a readily available technique that…

Introduction Angina is first and foremost a pain signal that originates from the heart to reach the brain. Typically, angina is triggered by myocardial ischemia. In addition to advanced coronary…

Introduction Chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) is a heterogeneous condition that encompasses patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), patients with a history of coronary revascularization by percutaneous…

Introduction The indications for coronary revascularization among patients with chronic coronary heart disease evolve as the scientific information accumulates and technology advances. The benefits associated with prompt coronary revascularization in…

Introduction Despite a 31% decline in the death rate from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (i.e., coronary heart disease [CHD] or stroke) between 2001 and 2011, ASCVD remains the cause of…

Introduction Great strides have been made in reducing morbidity and mortality from heart disease in recent decades. Despite this, coronary artery disease (CAD) rates remain unacceptably high. CAD is the…

Introduction The relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) has long been recognized, with an initial description by Leonardo Da Vinci in the 15th century of…