[Hyponatraemia (serum sodium concentration < 136 mmol/l) is the most frequent electrolyte abnormality that inceases the risk of both in-hospital, and outpatient mortality. Antidiuretic hormone action or low glomerular fitration rate or low excretable osmoles or their combination are involved in its pathogenesis. Differential diagnosis is based on medical and medication histories, serum- and urine osmolality and urine sodium concentration. Measurement of fractional excretions of urea and uric acid help identifying low effective circulting volume, renal hypoperfusion. Symptomatic hyponatraemia or an acute decrease of serum sodium concentration exceeding 10 mmol/l should be treated with 3% NaCl to avoid impending threat to life. The principles of the treatment of chronic hyponatraemia are restriction of water intake and elimination of etiologic factor(s) (eg. medications - most often thiazides). In case of contracted axtracellular volume, isotonic saline should be given. In case of euvolaemia, restriciton of water intake is fundamental. In case of expanded extracellular volume, (heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrosis), water and NaCl intake should be restricted along with aldosteron antagonist and loop diuretic therapy. In chronic hyponatraemia, the rise of serum sodium concentration should not exceed 10 mmol/l during the first 24 hours and 8 mmol/l/day thereafter. ]

[Beta-blockers are among the most widely used drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In the mid-90’s, these drugs were recommended as first-line therapies of hypertension. With the introduction of new drugs, the list of first-choice drugs has been extended. The results of recently published major hypertension trials, which compared conventional agents (beta blockers and/or diuretics) with newer agents (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Caantagonists, angiotensin receptor blockers), raised concerns regarding the role of beta blockers in cardiovascular primary prevention. Subsequently, a metaanalysis of 13 trials has shown that compared with other drug types, beta-blocker therapy is less beneficial in patients with hypertension who do not have heart disease. Nevertheless, in cardiovascular indications other than hypertension (acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and arrhythmias), betablockers retain their dominant position.]

[The nitrates are one of our oldest medicine. This article summarizes the general and the cardiovascular effect of the nitrates, the question of the nitrate tolerance and the ways of avoiding this. On the basis of the clinical studies the article describes the theoretical and practical results of the nitrate therapy in myocardial infarct and post-MI patients. It also summarizes the cardiac and extracardiac indications of the nitrates with special regard to acute cardiac conditions (acute heart failure, pulmonary edema) and analyses the side effects and the contrindications of the drug.]

[Acute heart failure may develop in previously healthy hearts. Nevertheless, structural abnormalities can facilitate its development and also, chronic heart failure can progress into acute stage. Considering the total cost of care in the patient's life, this is the most expensive heart disease. The clinical signs and physical abnormalities are usually of diagnostic power, however, instrumental investigations are necessary to recognize complications and to guide therapy. Patients should be monitored in well equipped coronary care units. Therapy consists of medications, coronary revascularization and use of mechanical assist devices.]

[INTRODUCTION - The protein complex coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a role in ATP production as a mitochondrial electron transport molecule, and it also has a strong antioxidant effect. Several studies have proved the correlation between the decrease in CoQ10 level and the severity of heart failure. Heart failure is a multifactorial syndrome, the development of which is greatly influenced by an abnormal energy metabolism. CASE REPORT - The 61-year-old woman developed heart failure after a myocardial infarction. She complained of fatigue, dyspnoea and reduced physical endurance even with optimal treatment. When her therapy was completed by CoQ10, her endurance and life quality significantly improved and her symptoms ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS - Medical treatment of chronic heart failure is an evidence-based, complex therapy. Despite the complex management, morbidity and mortality of this condition remain high. A number of studies have shown that CoQ10 substitution can improve the clinical and haemodynamical parameters of patients with heart failure. On the basis of these results, the use of CoQ10 as an adjuvant therapy to complex treatment has an increasing role.]