Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in the Detection and Characterisation of Cardiovascular Disease : Key Studies

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To review the available literature on the applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in cardiovascular disease identification and aetiology.

Methods.

A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed journals for the period January 2000 to June 2012 was performed using EMBASE and Web of Knowledge (WOK) databases.

Several hundred reports were identified.

Abstract searching led to the selection of articles included.

Results.

Numerous studies show the breadth of applications of NMR spectroscopy in relation to cardiovascular disease including lipid and lipoprotein formation, structure, and drug interaction.

Lipoprotein and metabolite profiles have been shown to vary with many manifestations of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion.

The inherent accuracy and reproducibility of NMR spectroscopy allow subtle differences in lipoprotein and metabolic profiles to be detected.

As more information is obtained and cardiovascular disease applications of NMR spectroscopy increase, there is potential that a route towards reducing the burden of this worldwide problem may become evident.