Dear Colleagues,

The timely diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases represents the cornerstone of modern medicine. The current aim is to recognize the first subtle and subclinical cardiovascular changes, before the first symptoms occur. This approach significantly reduces the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events and possible complications. Not only is this approach is cost-effective, it also significantly improves the outcomes and quality of life of patients. This is valid for both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. 

Many cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome, are leading to significant cardiac remodeling that may lead to the occurrence of major cardiovascular events. The use of 2D and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography can detect subclinical changes in left and right ventricular mechanics, as well as in left atrial function, that reveal patients who are at higher risk of adverse events and therefore deserve close monitoring and strict regulation of their risk factors (increased blood pressure, hyperglycemia, obesity, etc.). 

The same techniques could be used in the risk stratification of patients with different cardiomyopathies, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions that are treated on daily basis. In these disorders, one may be more considered for secondary prevention, but primary prevention should not be neglected. 

Aside from echocardiography, which still represents a cornerstone in cardiac imaging and a first-line visualization technique used in clinical circumstances, one should not underestimate the importance of other techniques such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and positron emission computed tomography (PET-CT).

The aim of this Special Issue is to present the full spectrum of currently available cardiovascular imaging techniques used for the evaluation of cardiac structure, function, mechanics and metabolism in various cardiovascular disorders, as well as in patients in primary and secondary prevention. 

Prof. Dr. Marijana Tadic
Prof. Dr. Costantino Mancusi
Guest Editors

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