Cardiac Ion Channels
Abstract Ion channels are pore-forming membrane proteins that regulate the flow of ions passively down their electrochemical gradient across the membrane. Ion channels are present on all membranes of cells…
Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Electrical Activity
Abstract Cardiomyocytes maintain a difference in the concentration of ions across their membranes, resulting in a difference in the electrical charge (i.e., voltage difference) across the cell membrane, called the…
CT and MRI
Introduction There are multiple aspects of imaging in the context of coronary artery disease. On the one hand, imaging is used to identify the presence of coronary artery stenoses, through…
Global Risk Assessment
Introduction This chapter is focused on tools for risk assessment in patients with stable coronary heart disease. In general, patients with stable ischemic heart disease have a good prognosis. However,…
Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
The atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and manifests clinically in adulthood as an acute atherothrombotic event (acute coronary syndrome or stroke) or as symptomatic obstructive disease (angina or claudication) (…
Angina in Patients with Evidence of Myocardial Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Introduction Treatment of angina and evidence of myocardial ischemia on stress testing with no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) by angiography is a challenge. Previously referred to as cardiac syndrome…
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
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…
Nuclear Imaging and PET
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…
Echocardiography
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…
Refractory Angina
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…
