Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular conditions can include angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction or Other disorders. All these diseases involve a malfunction of the heart or related circulatory system. The heart is located in the mediastinum, suspended between the lungs, behind the sternum, and in front of the vertebral column, thoracic aorta, and esophagus.

When viewed from the front, the heart appears to be rotated to the left, so that the right atrium and right ventricle are most anterior. The base of the heart protrudes somewhat into the right side of the chest and is relatively fixed in place by its attachments to the great vessels. The apex of the heart lies primarily in the left side of the chest and is directed forward toward the anterior chest wall. With each heartbeat, a characteristic thrust, or point of maximal impulse (PMI), is generated and can be palpated where the apex strikes against the chest. The PMI is normally located on the left side of the chest where the fifth intercostal space and midclavicular line intersect.

Variations in heart size and position within the chest may be related to age, body size, shape, weight, or pathologic conditions of the heart and other nearby structures.

There has been considerable study into the role of inflammation in heart disease. Researchers have found the first direct evidence that reducing inflammation in coronary arteries decreases the risk of heart attacks as much as reducing cholesterol levels. This finding offers a new approach to preventing heart disease. Two studies showed that inflammation of the arteries can be reduced by more aggressive use of statins. New drugs that target inflammation that are measured by a marker called Creactive rotein (CRP) could have a large impact on cardiovascular health as well as a large financial gain for companies developing these products.