New cardiovascular biomarkers: Clinical implications in patients with valvular heart disease

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Moura LM (Author) FMUP; Rocha Goncalves, F (Author) Other; Zamorano, JL (Author) Other; Barros, I (Author) Other; Bettencourt P (Author) FMUP; Rajamannan, N (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy

Vol. 6 No. 7

Pages: 945-954

ISSN: 1477-9072

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

Scopus - 11 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-NG1

DOI: 10.1586/14779072.6.7.945

Abstract (EN): Valvular heart disease (VHD) is characterized by an ongoing, inflammatory cellular response which results in a left ventricular hemodynamic stress change in response to valvulopathy. The current inflammatory hypothesis suggests that as the heart valve disease progresses the inflammatory cytokine response is activated causing continuation of deleterious effects on the heart and vasculature. This can lead to progression of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction. Over the last 10 years, a number of biologically active molecules, termed biomarkers, have been discovered in VHD. These can be used to detect the progression and pathogenesis of heart failure and to assess the severity of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) can diagnose underlying cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In high-risk patients BNP is also considered to be a useful tool for assisting in the diagnosis and monitoring the progression of VHD. Patients with symptomatic VHD benefit from aortic valve surgery; however, management in the absence of symptoms remains challenging. While the lack of symptoms can delay aortic valve replacement, unselected premature aortic valve replacement may be associated with unbalanced risks of cardiac surgery. This review summarizes the current and emerging clinical and potential research application of specific biomarkers of VHD. © 2008 Expert Reviews Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific