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Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) includes dysfunctional
conditions of the heart, arteries, and veins that
supply oxygen to vital life-sustaining areas of the
body like the brain, the heart itself, and other
vital organs. More than 70 million Americans
currently live with a cardiovascular disease. Heart
disease and stroke are the most common
cardiovascular diseases. They are the first and
third leading causes of death for both men and women
in the United States, accounting for nearly 40% of
all annual deaths. More than 910,000 Americans die
of cardiovascular diseases each year. The economic
impact of cardiovascular diseases on our nation’s
health care system continues to grow as the
population ages. The cost of heart disease and
stroke in the United States is projected to be $403
billion in 2006, including health care expenditures
and lost productivity from death and disability.
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RAYNAUD'S
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects the blood supply to the fingers, toes and occasionally the ears and nose. During a
Raynaud’s attack, or episode, the blood vessels constrict (narrow) and the blood supply to these areas is reduced. This results in
several skin color changes which are often accompanied by a throbbing or burning sensation, cold, and numbness. The exact cause of
Raynaud’s disease remains unknown. more...
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Raynaud’s disease occurs more frequently in women than in men. Although it can occur at any age it usually begins between the ages of 15 and 40. It is estimated that 4 - 5% of the United States population is affected.
Raynaud’s is divided into two categories:
Primary Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s disease, occurs when an individual has only the above mentioned
color changes along with the typical symptoms of pain or numbness. There is no other medical problem which may be
causing the Raynaud’s episodes.
Secondary Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s phenomenon, occurs when the Raynaud’s episodes are
secondary to another medical condition. In other words, the individual with Raynaud’s has another medical
condition which is causing the attacks. Or, Raynaud’s is only one of the symptoms associated with the other
disease. Although this form is less common than primary Raynaud’s, it is a more complex and serious disorder.
Some examples of other underlying diseases associated with Raynaud’s are: connective tissue diseases, scleroderma,
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vibration white finger, occlusive arterial disease, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpel
tunnel syndrome.
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HYPERTENSION
Blood
pressure is the force of blood against the walls of
arteries. High blood pressure effects around 50 million
Americans and over a billion people worldwide. more...
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The
medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension.
High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the
heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries). It increases the risk of
heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and
third-leading causes of death among Americans. High
blood pressure also can result in other conditions, such
as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and
blindness.
A blood
pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered
high. About two-thirds of people over age 65 have high
blood pressure. Between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg has
been defined as prehypertension which increases
the risk of developing high blood pressure in the
future.
Over the
age of 50 years the top reading systolic blood
pressure becomes more important than the bottom
diastolic reading. Control of blood pressure often
requires treatment with two or more drugs to get
adequate control.
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SLx-2101
is an oral potent, selective, fast onset, long acting (48 h) PDE-5 inhibitor designed specifically to expand the therapeutic
potential of PDE-5 inhibition beyond erectile dysfunction into larger cardiovascular (CV) markets. Surface Logix has designed
a PDE-5 inhibitor that has enhanced tissue distribution, as determined by Volume of Distribution (VD) analysis. The optimal
t1/2 combined with this large VD confers the sustained plasma levels and the long duration of action seen with SLx-2101 and
yet avoids accumulation with repeat dosing. This superior product profile allows for daily, or on demand dosing with a
predictable response in a number of CV disorders not addressed by currently marketed PDE-5 therapies. Phase
2a studies in Raynaud’s and hypertension are
underway.
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