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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

12:45
Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Accelerating the pulse of cardiovascular R&D.
1Merck Research Laboratory, 126 East Lincoln Avenue Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA. andrew_plump@merck.com
Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|October 30, 2010
Summary
New cardiovascular drugs are essential to address the growing threat of heart disease, projected to be the leading cause of death. This research explores strategies to revitalize drug development efforts.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant global health burden.
- Projected to be the leading cause of mortality in the coming decades.
- Current cardiovascular drug development requires revitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the urgent need for renewed commitment in cardiovascular drug development.
- To explore potential strategies for achieving this commitment.
- To address the projected leading cause of death.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current cardiovascular drug development landscape.
- Analysis of historical trends and challenges in pharmaceutical research.
- Exploration of innovative approaches and collaborative models.
Main Results:
- Identification of key barriers hindering cardiovascular drug development.
- Proposal of actionable strategies to overcome these barriers.
- Emphasis on the importance of public-private partnerships.
Conclusions:
- A concerted and renewed commitment to cardiovascular drug development is crucial.
- Implementing innovative strategies can accelerate the discovery of life-saving therapies.
- Addressing cardiovascular disease requires a multi-faceted approach involving research, policy, and investment.
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Pulse
The pulse is one of the most fundamental physiological indicators of the body's cardiovascular health. It is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the arterial walls in response to the pressure generated by the heart's pumping action.
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
Pulse
When the heart pumps blood out, arterial elastic fibers play a crucial role in sustaining a high-pressure gradient. They expand to accommodate the received blood and then recoil - a process known as the pulse that can be either manually palpated or electronically quantified. Despite a reduction in its effect with increased distance from the heart, elements of the pulse's systolic and diastolic components persist, observable even at the arteriole level.
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
Pulse rhythm
Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Increased pulse rate
Tachycardia is a condition marked by an abnormally fast or irregular heart rate, surpassing the typical resting rate. In adults, tachycardia is characterized by a pulse rate ranging from 100 to 180 beats per minute. The increased heart rate can result in inadequate blood flow to various body parts, ultimately diminishing the oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Regulation of Pulse
Pulse regulation involves physiological mechanisms that ensure adequate blood flow throughout the body. The heartbeat, regulated by the autonomic nervous system, is influenced by hormonal balance, physical activity, and emotional state.
Decreased pulse rate
Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...

