Molecular Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disorders

Abstract

Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases can often be confused with other pathologic conditions and it is important that an accurate and expeditious diagnostic system is available to help physicians make a rapid diagnosis. The classical methods of cardiac diagnosis by auscultation, clinical acumen, and electrocardiography (ECG) are now supplemented by echocardiography, cardiac molecular imaging, isotope scintigraphy, and refined techniques of coronary catheterization, which can be combined with therapeutic interventions. Biotechnology is also making important contributions to cardiovascular diagnostics and some examples are given in this chapter.