Acute estrogen-induced dilation in canine coronary arteries is endothelium independent and is not mediated by the classic intracellular estrogen receptor but through non-genomic mechanisms, presumably at the membrane level, which in epicardial arteries may include effects on adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium or calcium channels, or both.

In patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and familial combined hyperlipidemia, extensive coronary plaque is present despite minimal or no angiographic changes. Compensatory vessel enlargement and diffuse involvement with eccentric plaque may account for the lack of angiographic changes. Levels of HDL cholesterol and total/HDL cholesterol ratio are far more powerful predictors of coronary plaque burden than are low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in these patients with early, asymptomatic disease.

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This preliminary study shows that delineation of the vessel wall boundary using echogenic contrast agents during intravascular ultrasound is safe and feasible. Because of higher contrast intensity and homogeneity, SHU 454 and SHU 508 are superior to other agents.