Carvedilol is a novel β-receptor blocker with vasodilative and potent antioxidative effects. It may inhibit the activation of transduction factors induced by oxygen radicals, block the gene expression in cardiac remodeling, and decrease cardiomyocyte apoptosis. It is reported that carvedilol may reduce the in vivo oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and auto-antibody titre of antioxidant and increase the antioxidative capacity of LDL. Carvedilol and its metabolite BM-910228 may inhibit the inotropic response induced by oxygen radicals. Carvedilol may provide cardiac protection in acute myocardial ischemia and improve cardiac function, reduce the mortality rate of heart failure.

Statins have pleiotropic effects in lowering the lipid, stabilizing plaque, antiinflammation, neural protection , and preventing thrombosis. The author highlights the latest progress of cholesterol-independent effects of statins on preventing stroke.

s: Recently, following the development of basic experimental research, great progress has been acquired in the fields of the understanding and management of the acute coronary syndromes (ACS). This review summarizes the molecular and cellular bases, the management of the unstable plaque, risk stratification and the management of ACS.