Chapters authored
Myocardial Infarction and Circadian Rhythm
Human physiological activity and condition during illness are under the control of the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms handle a wide diversity of physiological and metabolic functions, and the interruption of these rhythms has been linked to obesity, sleep disorders, metabolic and psychological disorders, and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and vascular death. Disruption of circadian rhythms increases the risk of developing myocardial infarction, indicating that circadian genes might play an essential role in determining disease susceptibility. It is well known that many cardiovascular processes show daily variations depending on the circadian rhythm (blood pressure, heart rate), and the gene expression of the cardiomyocyte circadian clock influences myocardial contractile function, metabolism, and other gene expressions. We present a review of the latest knowledge on the impact of circadian rhythm and circadian rhythm genes on myocardial infarction. Today, in a time of personalized medicine, it is essential to know each person’s circadian rhythm for its treatment and possible inclusion in the diagnostic procedures.
Part of the book: Visions of Cardiomyocyte
The Differences between Gastroesophageal and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) have different pathophysiological mechanisms of occurrence and are characterized by different clinical pictures and symptomatology. In clinical practice, it often happens that LPR remains unrecognized or is defined as atypical gastroesophageal reflux, thus, it is necessary to distinguish between these two clinical entities. Laryngopharyngeal reflux refers to the return of gastric contents from the stomach through the esophagus to the larynx, pharynx, paranasal cavities, middle ear, and lower respiratory tract, and it is part of the wider extraesophageal reflux syndrome (EER). Extraesophageal symptoms are common in GERD, and studies show an increasing prevalence of LPR in patients with GERD, as well as an association of reflux disease with cough and dysphonia symptoms. The aim of the chapter is to describe differences between GER and LPR in order to facilitate the recognition and differentiation of manifest and latent symptoms, diagnosis, and choice of therapeutic approach.
Part of the book: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease