Researchers' proposal seeks solutions for more than 4 million patients in Spain
Scientists at research center Applied Medicine (CIMA) of the University of Navarra are investigating whether cardiotrophin 1, a molecule that is measurable in blood, could be used as a diagnostic marker for hypertensive heart disease. After studying the relationship of the molecule with this disease, the experts consider that cardiotrophin 1 is a useful means of preventing or controlling the harmful effects on the heart of patients with this pathology, who in Spain exceed 4 million and account for half of the 8 million hypertensive patients.

The research on this cardiovascular disease was discussed today during the course of the international congress Frontiers in Translational Research of Cardiovascular Diseases, held at CIMA, with the participation of dozens of Spanish, German, British and Danish scientists.

At present, this subject of diseases is the leading cause of medical enquiry , hospitalization and death in the world. As their frequency is expected to increase in the coming decades, in order to reduce their impact, experts propose applying the latest biomedical and biotechnological advances to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these pathologies as soon as possible.

Dr. Javier Díez, director of the area of Cardiovascular Sciences at CIMA and coordinator of the area of Molecular Cardiology at the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, explained a special advantage of cardiotrophin 1: "As it intervenes in the earliest stages of hypertensive heart disease, if we act on it we can prevent complications such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, cerebral infarction (stroke) or death of the patient".

The speakers also addressed aspects of arterial hypertension, which affects more than 25% of the adult population. For example, they reviewed advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the lesions that this pathology produces in the heart, brain and kidney, making it the leading cause of problems such as heart failure, vascular dementia and kidney failure, respectively. They also studied the harmful impact of diabetes and obesity on the heart and arteries. In this regard, "pharmacological advances that may represent a therapeutic revolution" were presented, according to Dr. Díez. Finally, atherosclerosis, the most common disease with the worst consequences, was discussed. They analyzed the employment of biomarkers for the early detection of a future heart attack (myocardial or cerebral) and cell therapy to minimize its consequences.

Among the scientists in attendance were Dr. Carolyn F. Deacon, from the Panum Institute of the University of Copenhagen; and Dr. Kristian Wachtell, from the Rigshospitalet Heart Center, also in the Danish capital.