Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
12:50
Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Circulating cardiovascular markers and mediators in acute illness: an update
Albertus Beishuizen1, Koen J Hartemink, István Vermes
1Department of Intensive Care Unit, VU University Medical Center and Institute for Cardiovascular Research, De Boelelaan 1117 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Circulating markers and mediators help assess cardiovascular dysfunction in acute illness. Measuring these levels aids clinical judgment and patient stratification for better treatment and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Cardiovascular dysfunction is a critical complication in acutely ill patients.
- Identifying reliable markers and mediators is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
- Existing clinical signs and hemodynamic variables may not always be sufficient for accurate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on circulating markers and mediators of cardiovascular dysfunction in acute illness.
- To highlight the dual role of some factors as both markers and mediators.
- To emphasize the prognostic significance of these circulating substances.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current literature on cardiovascular markers in acute illness.
- Discussion of specific examples such as endothelin, nitrite/nitrate, and natriuretic peptides.
- Exploration of the clinical utility of assessing circulating levels alongside traditional methods.
Main Results:
- Circulating markers reflect actions on the peripheral vasculature (e.g., endothelin, nitric oxide products) and the heart (e.g., natriuretic peptides).
- Natriuretic peptides are key indicators of heart failure and can aid in diagnosing pulmonary edema.
- Some markers serve as both indicators and active participants in cardiovascular derangements.
Conclusions:
- Assessing circulating cardiovascular markers refines clinical judgment of cardiovascular derangements in acutely ill patients.
- These markers, particularly natriuretic peptides, can aid in diagnosing conditions like congestive heart failure and cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
- Future research aligning hemodynamic data with marker patterns will improve patient stratification for studies on causes, therapy, and prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
01:26Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...
01:25Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...