B N Horowitz1,2,3, Ilana B Kutinsky4, Annika Linde5. 1. Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. natterson-horowitz@fas.harvard.edu. 2. Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. natterson-horowitz@fas.harvard.edu. 3. David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. natterson-horowitz@fas.harvard.edu. 4. William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA. 5. College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this review is to present comparative echocardiography as a source of insights for human cardiovascular medicine. RECENT FINDINGS: We present echocardiographic examples of high impact human cardiovascular pathologies, including valvular, vascular, conduction, and myocardial disorders, in a wide range of species in varying environments. Unique features associated with comparative echocardiographic assessments are linked to human cardiology, including natural animal models of resistance and vulnerability. The cardiovascular vulnerabilities and strengths of other species can be a source of invaluable insights for human healthcare professionals. Echocardiography is playing a key role in bridging human and veterinary cardiology. Consequently, species-spanning echocardiography can deliver novel insights for human medicine.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this review is to present comparative echocardiography as a source of insights for human cardiovascular medicine. RECENT FINDINGS: We present echocardiographic examples of high impact humancardiovascular pathologies, including valvular, vascular, conduction, and myocardial disorders, in a wide range of species in varying environments. Unique features associated with comparative echocardiographic assessments are linked to human cardiology, including natural animal models of resistance and vulnerability. The cardiovascular vulnerabilities and strengths of other species can be a source of invaluable insights for human healthcare professionals. Echocardiography is playing a key role in bridging human and veterinary cardiology. Consequently, species-spanning echocardiography can deliver novel insights for human medicine.