Handbook of Cardiovascular Immunology

Cardiovascular immunology involves the interaction of immune cells with cardiomyocytes, cardiac stromal cells and endothelial cells, which adjust their metabolism for supporting the continuing inflammatory process. The immune system has a crucial role in cardiac homeostasis and illness. If atherothrombotic occlusion disturbs oxygen transport, the downstream hypoxic tissues and cells begin to die within minutes. In case this condition remains untreated, the organism can succumb to stroke or myocardial infarction (MI). The immune system plays a significant role in cardiac growth, composition and function. The immune cells infiltrate the heart during gestation and remain in the myocardium where they perform vital housekeeping functions. A large numbers of immune cells are employed by the heart after a myocardial infarction, or in reaction to infection for promoting recovery, eliminating dying tissue and scavenging pathogens. Immune cells might cause irreparable harm in some cases which leads to heart failure. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital aspects in the field of cardiovascular immunology. Through it, we attempt to further enlighten the readers about the new aspects in this field.