Cardiovascular Diseases : Nutritional and Therapeutic Interventions

This book presents current research on the pathobiology of cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing emerging therapeutics and nutritional interventions. It details epidemiological studies, epigenetic modifications associated with cardiovascular disease, and the possibility of early intervention using simple dietary modifications. Chapters cover heart-healthy diet and nutritional intervention as well as the effects of garlic, resveratrol, flaxseed, botanicals, meditation, and more on cardiovascular health. Additional areas of discussion include nanotechnology in treating ischemic heart disease, along with drug, gene, and stem cell therapies.

With cardiovascular disease remaining one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, there is a great need to further understand the molecular basis of this disease class and develop new therapeutic or preventative measures. Cardiovascular Diseases: Nutritional and Therapeutic Interventions presents up-to-date information on the pathobiology of cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing emerging therapeutics and nutritional interventions. The book is divided into four parts: epidemiology, epigenetics, pathobiology, and therapies for cardiovascular diseases.

Part I details epidemiological studies, highlighting the extent of the clinical problem. Part II describes the genetic and, primarily, epigenetic modifications associated with cardiovascular disease, including the importance of DNA methylation status and the possibility of early intervention using simple dietary modifications. The text also discusses histone modifications associated with disease and potential therapeutic synthetic and dietary compounds such as resveratrol and garlic. Covering the etiology and pathobiology, part III discusses lipid regulation, micro-RNAs, emerging cell-based therapies, and new receptor targets for therapeutics as well as targeted imaging. It also describes the link between cancer therapies and cardiomyopathy and the potential of vitamin C to ameliorate this effect.

Part IV focuses on therapeutic and nutritional interventions, namely, stem cell therapies, emerging nanomedicines, and a wide range of dietary interventions. These include general healthy diets, fruits and vegetables, botanicals, effects of specific compounds such as antioxidants, and discussions on garlic, curcumin, and resveratrol. The text also covers lifestyle factors, emphasizing the importance of stress in the occurrence of and meditation and yoga in the management of cardiovascular disease. This book provides a comprehensive reference for clinicians and scientists, combining epidemiology, prevention, and modern treatment strategies.