Cardiovascular diseases represent the most important cause of death in Europe, and are associated with relevant morbility and increasing economic costs. The present Course will be devoted to foster a deeper knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of three cardiovascular pathological conditions of utmost importance: ischemic heart diseases, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Chronic stable angina is by large the most common clinical presentation of coronary diseases. The prevalence of the disease increases as a function of age in both sexes, reaching 10-15% among women and 15-20% in men aged 65-74 years. Similar concepts can be applied to some arrhythmias (for example atrial fibrillation) and to heart failure. The aim of the course is to present the molecular basis of these diseases, with special reference to the emerging knowledge on the physiopathology of cardiac ion channels, to define a correct clinical approach to the patient, and finally to discuss the rationale and appropriate use of the new pharmacological interventions.
Proff. F. Fedele, A. Mugelli, S. Novo Co-Presidents of the Course