Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases

MicroRNAs, key regulators of biological processes, are involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Their recent discovery revealed a previously unknown layer of pathophysiologic regulators, which also play a key role in the regulation of several aspects of cardiovascular diseases. More recently, it was demonstrated that circulating microRNAs can be measured in the blood. Hence, the potential use of microRNAs as disease biomarkers attracted many research groups. Indeed, their unusual stability in the bloodstream and during prolonged storage make circulating miRs very interesting as potential biomarkers. Circulating microRNAs are emerging as the next generation "smart" biomarkers and could be helpful in further improving the diagnostic and therapeutic processes of cardiovascular diseases. The present chapter summarizes the most relevant experimental evidence on circulating microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases, including arterial remodeling, restenosis, coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic stroke, highlighting potential pathophysiological correlations to the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases.