It has been known for over 150 years that hallmarks of inflammation can be observed in the wall of atherosclerotic vessels. It was, however, not clear if this inflammation is the cause or the consequence of atherogenesis. More recently, it has become evident that inflammation mediated both by innate and adaptive immunity is instrumental even in the earliest stages of the development of atherosclerotic lesions, i.e., that it plays an important pathogenetic role. In this volume, international experts in the field discuss the pathogenetic, diagnostic, preventive and possible therapeutic relevance of inflammation in atherogenesis. This book is intended for researchers and physicians in the fields of vascular biology, immunology and atherosclerosis.

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

Stroke is a major cause of death and the major cause of adult neurological disability in most of the world. Despite its importance on a population basis, research into the genetics of stroke has lagged behind that of many other disorders. However, the situation is now changing. Anincreasing number of single gene disorders causing stroke are being described, and there is growing evidence that polygenic factors are important in the risk of apparently "sporadic" stroke.Stroke Genetics provides an up-to-date review of the area, suitable for clinicians treating stroke patients, and both clinical and non-clinical researchers in the field of cerebrovascular disease. The full range of monogenic stroke disorders causing cerebrovascular disease, including ischaemicstroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, are covered. For each, clinical features, diagnosis, and genetics are described. Increasing evidence suggest that genetic factors are also important for the much more common multifactorial stroke; this evidence isreviewed along with the results of genetic studies in this area. Optimal and novel strategies for investigating multifactorial stroke, including the use of intermediate phenotypes such as intima-media thickness and MRI detected small vessel disease are reviewed. The book concludes by describing apractical approach to investigating patients with stroke for underlying genetic disorders. Also included is a list of useful websites.

This textbook focuses on the vascular biology and physiology that underlie vascular disorders in clinical medicine. Vascular biomedicine is a rapidly growing field as new molecular mechanisms of vascular health and disease are unraveled. Many of the major cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke and vascular dementia are diseases of the vasculature. In addition vascular injury underpins conditions like kidney failure and cardiovascular complications of diabetes. This field is truly multidisciplinary involving scientists in many domains such as molecular and vascular biology, cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology and immunology and inflammation. Clinically, specialists across multiple disciplines are involved in the management of patients with vascular disorders, including cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, neurologists and vascular surgeons. This book covers a wide range of topics and provides an overview of the discipline of vascular biomedicine without aiming at in-depth reviews, but rather offering up-to-date knowledge organized in concise and structured chapters, with key points and pertinent references. The structure of the content provides an integrative and translational approach from basic science (e.g. stem cells) to clinical medicine (e.g. cardiovascular disease). The content of this book is targeted to those who are new in the field of vascular biology and vascular medicine and is ideal for medical students, graduate and postgraduate students, clinical fellows and academic clinicians with an interest in the vascular biology and physiology of cardiovascular disease and related pathologies.

Endorsed by the American Society for Preventive Cardiology, this highly practical resource focuses on the application of current guidelines and practice standards in the clinical management of cardiovascular risk factors. The Manual presents concise descriptions of each major cardiovascular risk factor, and practical, to-the-point discussions of current best practices in clinical management. In addition, the Manual includes chapters on peripheral arterial disease, stroke, smoking, contemporary cardiovascular imaging, heart failure, metabolic syndrome, thrombosis, nutrition, special populations, novel risk factors, and psychosocial stress. Throughout the Manual, recommendations are based on the most recent prevention guidelines of the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, including those on Risk Assessment, Lifestyle Recommendations, Blood Cholesterol, and Obesity, as well as the new guidelines on Hypertension. Chapter authors are recognized leaders in each area of practice, and special efforts have been made by the authors and editors to ensure that the content of all chapters is as up-to-date as possible. Key Features: Presents a highly practical focus on the application of current guidelines and practice standards regarding cardiovascular risk factors Recommendations based on the most recent prevention guidelines Authored by recognized leaders in the field Covers all major cardiovascular risk factors, key methodologies in risk assessment, and special issues regarding specific patient populations

In the last ten years, major strides have been made in defining the presence and role of inflammation in atherosclerosis as well as in injury to the tissues that occurs after episodes of ischemia and reperfusion. In sixteen chapters, written by world-renowned individuals from different countries, the role of inflammation and different mediators in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is presented. The significance of inflammation and possible therapeutic implications is also described in depth. This book is of great interest for a wide range of physicians, researchers, and scientists who may want to study more and develop the concept of inflammation and atherosclerosis.