Measurement of Distinct Biological Pools of Hydrogen Sulfide in Women With Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease which includes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States. The impact of cardiovascular in women was not recognized by clinicians for a long time. It is now evident that, women suffer the consequences of cardiovascular at rates at least as high as those observed in men but there are still major gaps in our understanding this disease in women. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous mediator plays an important role in the cardiovascular system. Research has demonstrated it's critical role in animal ischemia reperfusion models. Hydrogen sulfide exists in distinct biological pools in blood. Recently, the Kevil lab has pioneered the development of new analytical techniques for accurate measurement of all biological pools of H2S. By measuring these distinct pools of H2S in women with and without cardiovascular disease the investigators hope to further understanding of role of H2S in pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. This research will help to assess the ability of H2S and its distinct biological pools to potentially be a diagnostic marker or a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease.