In the absence of good, trustworthy information, patients are guided mostly by their fear instincts when diagnosed with heart disease. With the misperception that more is better, they all too often end up agreeing to undergo every test and treatment recommendation of their harried healthcare provider, who could well be influenced by accepted norms, cognitive biases, medicolegal concerns, or economic considerations. All this leads to gross overuse of cardiac procedures, even when the risks of test and treatment can be worse than the disease itself. In this book, Dr. J Shah explains the various cardiac tests and treatments, including situations in which they are critical, others in which they are reasonable, and yet others in which they could be unnecessary and even harmful. Using real life stories, he helps readers cultivate a better understanding of heart disease and correct the myths that have guided and misguided patients for years. He teaches the reader to become a more informed consumer of cardiac care and to make better decisions based on their individual needs and the latest scientific evidence.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are established drugs for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, they induce regression of vascular atherosclerosis as well as reduction of cardiovascular-related morbidity and death in patients with and without coronary artery disease. This book deals with statins which have substantially altered the approach to therapy of atherosclerosis and its sequelae. Emphasis is placed on the scientific background to the discoveries and the development of the therapy, including an overview of the current state of knowledge of the drugs. Clinical data are reviewed extensively. This book not only provides the reader with valuable information but also stimulates further research into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the mechanisms behind the action of effective statins. It sets the stage for creative thinking among scientists of many disciplines for the accomplishment of our ultimate goals in treating atherosclerosis and its sequelae. This topical volume...

This book provides a concise yet comprehensive review of the morphological, biochemical, electrical, mechanical, and metabolic properties of vascular smooth muscle, the regulation of vascular activities and the intracellular signaling involved. It particularly focuses on newly identified vasoactive agents, enzymes and transduction mechanisms. It also discusses the latest findings in the regulation of cerebral, coronary and pulmonary circulation as well as vascular activity under hypoxia and ageing. The second edition intends to update the contents of the first edition with the latest achievements in the regulation of vascular activities from biochemical, structural, genetic, physiological, and pharmacological aspects. In addition, two new chapters related to microRNA and extracellular vesicles have been added to reflect their newly discovered important roles in vascular activities. The contraction and dilatation activities of vasculature are of fundamental importance for maintaining circulation homeostasis and adapting to physiological changes. Over the last four decades, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the biochemical, structural, genetic, physiological, and pharmacological aspects of vascular activity regulation, and these insights into the responsiveness of blood vessels under normal and pathophysiological conditions help to provide valuable weapons in the fight vascular diseases. The book is of interest to researchers and graduate students, both in basic research and in clinic settings, in the field of vascular biology.

by JULIEN IE HOFFMAN One of the earliest coronary physiologists was Scaramucci who, in 1695, postu lated that during systole the contracting myocardium inhibited coronary blood flow. Since then, the many contributions that have been made to our knowledge of the coronary circulation can be arbitrarily divided into three phases based on advances in technical methods. The early phase of research into the coronary circulation, done with great difficulty with crude methods, may be regarded as ending in the 1940s, and it included major discoveries made by such well known investigators as Georg von Anrep, Ernest Starling, Carl Wiggers, and Louis Katz, who formulated much of our basic understanding of the field. After 1940, the field of coronary physiology entered a new phase when instruments for high fidelity registration of coronary flow and pressure became available. This era was domi nated by Donald Gregg who combined careful attention to the function of these instruments (some of which he helped to develop) with an extraordinary ability to discern mechanisms from apparently minor changes in coronary flow and pressure patterns. His book 'The Coronary Circulation in Health and Disease' set a new standard in the field. After 1960, techniques for measuring regional myocardial blood flow became available, and enabled a large group of eminent investigators to make major advances in understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of myocardial blood flow."

In order to become a registered dietitian starting in January 2024, candidates will have to obtain a graduate degree from the present requirement of a bachelor's degree. Currently in the United States, there are ~ 3,000 dietitians graduating each year. While some of these candidates will choose other graduate pathways such as Food Science or an MBA, the vast majority will likely obtain a graduate degree of Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. An anticipated 2,000 dietitians per year will enroll in a graduate degree program that will in turn expect them to take in course in pediatric nutrition. Chapter design in ADIME format (see standard blurb) will prepare individuals on how to document a pediatric assessment. This book is written by practicing experts in the field and will represent presence throughout the United States. While this book is written to fulfil needs of the dietetic student population, it serves as a resource for the practicing pediatric dietitian.

There are over 400 CHD risk factors that need to be evaluated, prevented, and treated. It is crucial that we have tests for early identification, prevention and treatment of CHD and MI. CHD remains the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. This book discusses not only older traditional risk factors of heart disease, but new considerations including updated genetic material which is state of the art. This book provides a new and detailed explanation of the causes of CHD and MI based on genetics, blood tests, urine tests. vascular tests and cardiac tests. Once this information is understood and applied to the patient the control of CHD risk factors, cardiovascular complications such as MI and heart failure will be improved with fewer adverse effects and lower cost. No other heart book on the market has this updated and extensive data based on published trials and the experience of the author. Chapters are written in an easy- to -understand format and all medical terms are defined for the reader. Tables and figures are provided each chapter to better illustrate what is described in the text, provide concise, understandable, and valuable information. All references are numbered in the text and then listed at the end of each chapter - the references provide additional medical information. Summaries and Key Take Away Points are provided at the end of each chapter. A sources section is listed at the end of the book which lists contact information for the best nutritional supplement companies, lab, and testing companies, as well as other important sources mentioned in the text of the book.

Most postgraduate examinations now include radiographic interpretation. This may be presented as a slide show of as a film-viewing session. Radiographs and other imaging modalities are also used ubiquitously in the viva' section of most such examinations including those of the American Boards and professional societies and universities worldwide. This series of Clinical Film Viewing will assist candidates to prepare for this process. Each book examines a particular system or technique followed by profusely illustrated cases typical of those presented in postgraduate examinations. The Cardiovascular System is aimed at candidates for postgraduate examinations in all specialties and especially those doctors with some training in cardiovascular disease who need to assess their knowledge of the subject. This book is particularly applicable to candidates for postgraduate examinations in radiology.

This book presents up-to-date information on how to assess early preclinical alterations in the heart, the small and large arteries and the kidney using the most sensitive, specific and cost-effective techniques. A wide variety of techniques are discussed, with careful attention to the latest developments. For each organ, evidence is documented regarding the prevalence of organ damage in the general and the hypertensive population. Information is provided on the potential induction of regression of organ damage by treatment, the criteria for establishing significant changes and the clinical prognostic significance of regression. The manual will be invaluable for all practitioners responsible for the clinical management of hypertensive patients, given that the assessment of early preclinical cardiovascular and renal damage permits more accurate risk stratification at baseline and facilitates evaluation of cardiovascular protection when regression of structural changes is achieved during treatment.

This book is devoted solely to the tricuspid valve and its role in congenital heart disease. Tricuspid valve anomalies are part of the pathological spectrum in various congenital heart diseases, including Ebstein anomaly and tricuspid valve dysplasia, with different pathophysiology and clinical implications. This book covers all relevant aspects of such anomalies, including diagnosis, therapy and follow-up. Further topics addressed include the way in which the tricuspid valve may become the "systemic" valve in some congenital diseases, with important consequences and the involvement of the tricuspid valve in the right-sided heart complications often seen in adults with congenital heart disease. All of the chapters are written by internationally recognized experts and are designed to deliver state of the art knowledge of practical value. This book will be an important addition to the library for surgeons, cardiologists and other practitioners involved in the management of patients with congenital heart disease.

Despite 40 years of aggressive pharmaceutical and surgical interventions, coronary artery disease remains the number one killer of women and men in Western civilization. Cardiovascular disease, more than ever, demonstrates the landscape has changed so significantly, that new information must be given to the young and old health professionals seeing patients on a day to day basis. Dr. Sinatra has 40 plus years of experience in cardiovascular disease and is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology. Dr. Mark Houston practices integrative nutritional preventive cardiology and has superb expertise in hypertension, and dyslipidemia which are major factors in the genesis of cardiovascular disease. The information in this book will give doctors-to-be, and even doctors-that-are the overlooked information they need for a balanced approach to cardiovascular treatment that includes a healing/healthy diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise and weight management. Those are crucial and powerful additions to the toolbox with which to maintain health and fix problems. That's the integrative approach that Dr. Sinatra, Dr Houston and his fellow authors, have been using with great success for decades. The Table of Contents shows a true revision - all new material - this is more of a companion volume to the original edition.

Foreword. Preface. Section 1: Concepts and Clinics of Atrial Fibrillation. 1. From Experiment to Therapeutic Innovation in Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter. 2. Atrial Functional Anatomy. 3. The Pathology of Drug Resistant Lone Atrial Fibrillation in Eleven Surgically Treated Patients. 4. Termination of Atrial Fibrillation by Classic Antiarrhythmic Drugs, a Paradox? 5. Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Atrial Fibrillation and the Prediction of Successful DC Electrical Cardioversion. Section 2: Recent Advances in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter. 6. Pharmacological Cardioversion of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter to Sinus Rhythm. 7. Drugs after Cardioversion to Prevent Relapses of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter. 8. Episodic Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. 9. An AICD for Atrial Fibrillation? 10. The 'Corridor' Operation as an Alternative in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Section 3: Why Aggressive Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation? 11. Tachycardiomyopathy in Patients with Supraventricular Tachycardia. 12. Sinus Rhythm, the Autonomic Nervous System, and Quality of Life. 13. Atrial Tachyarrhythmias following Coronary Bypass Surgery: Sympathetic Mechanisms. 14. Management of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter shortly after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. 15. Risk and Prevention of Embolism in Atrial Fibrillation. 16. Value of Left Atrial Appendage Flow Velocitiesin Patients with Nonrheumatic Atrial Fibrillation and Systemic Embolism. 17. Management of Atrial Fibrillation: From Palliation to Intervention.Index.

Chocolate in Health and Nutrition represents the first comprehensive compilation of the newest data on the actions of the flavonoids and microorganisms associated with the beneficial effects of chocolate. This unique text provides practical, data-driven resources based upon the totality of the evidence to help the reader understand the basics, treatments and preventive strategies that are involved in the understanding of the role chocolate may play in healthy individuals as well as those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or neurocognitive declines. Of equal importance, critical issues that involve patient concerns, such as dental caries and food preferences in children, potential effects on weight gain, addiction and withdrawal are included in well-referenced, informative chapters. The latest research on the role of chocolate in normal health areas including mood, pain and weight management, cardiovascular disease and related conditions are presented. Chocolate in Health and Nutrition provides health professionals in many areas of research and practice with the most up-to-date, well referenced and comprehensive volume on the current state of the science and medical uses of chocolate.

Nitric Oxide Donors: Biomedical Applications and Perspectives presents the current state of art, challenges and innovations in the design of therapeutics nitric oxide donors with great impact in several aspects of human physiology and pathophysiology. Although considerable innovative progress has been achieved using Nitric Oxide donors in biomedical applications, certain drawbacks still need to be overcome to successfully translate these research innovations into clinical applications. This book encompasses several topics on nitric oxide such as its sources and biological properties; its performance in the cardiovascular and neurologic systems, in the human skin and its application in the treatment of neglected diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Additionally, it covers its role in inflammation and immunity, penile erection function, photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial activities. It also discusses the future of nitric oxide donors in combination with other therapeutic drugs, in implantable sensors, and nitric oxide releasing hydrogels and medical devices for topical applications. The book is a valuable source for researchers on different areas of biomedical field who are interested in the improvements that these molecules can make in the treatment of several conditions.

A recent comprehensive study of stress and human health by the Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Sciences concludes that individuals who experience any of a wide range of stressful events or situations are at increased risk of developing a physical or mental disorder, including heart disease. Since cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of illness and death, and since the etiology and pathogenesis of several of the commonest forms of heart disease are incompletely known, it is of fundamental impor tance to study the potential role of stress in the genesis of heart disease. Accordingly an International Symposium on Stress and Heart Disease was held in Winnipeg, Canada, June 26-29, 1984 and the proceedings form the basis of this book and its companion volume, "Stress and Heart Disease." The connection between stress (the behavioral sciences) and heart disease (the biomedical sciences) occurs in the mechanisms through which the brain affects or controls the endocrine and the autonomic nervous systems. Initially this linkage appeared to be relatively simple, mainly involving catecholamines and corticosteroids, and communication between nerve cells was thought to be electrical. Now knowledge has increased and concepts have change dramatic ally. Major advances have occurred in biochemical, anatomical, physiological, pharmacological, pathological and behavioral aspects of the neuroendocrine system. The over whelming significance of chemical communication in the nli xviii nervous system has become clear."

This book is exceptional in being devoted solely to vasovagal syncope (VVS), the most frequent cause of transient loss of consciousness in the general population. All aspects of VVS are covered, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and implications for particular activities such as work, driving and physical activity. The context for the book is that about half of the population suffer from this type of loss of consciousness during their lifetime and then often call for general practitioner and/or emergency room assistance. While many pathophysiological aspects of VVS have been clarified, others remain elusive. The diagnosis of VVS may be easy, but it is sometimes challenging. From the therapeutic standpoint, few evidence-based therapies have been established and the large majority of treatments remain unsatisfactory. Vasovagal Syncope presents the latest evidence on all these issues and will be of value for internists, cardiologists, neurologists, emergency physicians and general practitioners.

With an increase in admission to intensive care units, medical professionals must search for the best practices and procedures to provide efficient medical care to each patient. Despite medical advances, there is still a need for well-trained cardiovascular intensivists to meet the needs of patients. Modern Concepts and Practices in Cardiothoracic Critical Care brings together the most recent research and current issues facing medical professionals and patients in intensive cardiovascular care to provide the necessary tools and resources for improved health and medical care. Including chapters on safety, ethics, and specific surgical techniques, this book is an essential reference source for medical students, residents, fellows, anesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists who all care for patients following cardiothoracic surgery. This collection serves as a reference on topics such as patient care, preoperative assessments, pharmacology, surgical technologies and techniques, postoperative patient monitoring, and best practices in cardiothoracic critical care.

Cardioskeletal Myopathies in Children and Young Adults focuses on plaques that kill people in their 40's-50's and the way they start to form in young adulthood. The Annals of Family Medicine report that approximately half of young adults have at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor (Mar 2010), and an increase in cardiovascular mortality rates in young adults was substantiated in a study at Northwestern Medicine (Nov 2011). Given the increasing recognition of genetic triggers behind all types of cardiovascular disease, and the growing population of young adults with primary or acquired myocardial disease, the need has arisen for a reference that offers a comprehensive approach to the understanding of basic, translational, and clinical aspects of specific muscle diseases while making the link between young adult and adult health.

* Includes coverage of treatment plans taking into consideration individual differences in age, health status, and culture * Effectively describes the bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease and trauma, ethics, cultural considerations, and personality pathology. * Provides specific instruction about how to navigate the relationship with medical doctors while illustrating the unique ethical challenges or limitations of the health psychologist working with patients, their families, and providers in clinical practice. * Adds the unique contribution of best practices in interacting between the multiple disciplines (e.g. primary care, cardiology, psychologists, and other allied professionals).

* Includes coverage of treatment plans taking into consideration individual differences in age, health status, and culture * Effectively describes the bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease and trauma, ethics, cultural considerations, and personality pathology. * Provides specific instruction about how to navigate the relationship with medical doctors while illustrating the unique ethical challenges or limitations of the health psychologist working with patients, their families, and providers in clinical practice. * Adds the unique contribution of best practices in interacting between the multiple disciplines (e.g. primary care, cardiology, psychologists, and other allied professionals).

This book highlights the multifaceted roles of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in modulating normal cellular and molecular mechanisms during the development of different types of heart disease. Each chapter in the book deals with the role that altered redox homeostasis plays in the pathophysiology of heart disease. In addition, the book explains how reactive oxidant species interact with their targets and provides novel strategies for attenuating oxidative stress-induced types of heart disease. The book not only covers ROS-induced response in heart disease at the cellular level, but also demonstrates that an imbalance of redox states has its roots in our genes, and explains the ways gene expression is regulated. In turn, it reviews potential sources of ROS, their pathological effects on the heart, and potential sites for therapeutic interventions.

There are growing questions regarding the safety, quality, risk management, and costs of PCC teams, their training and preparedness, and their implications on the welfare of patients and families. This innovative book, authored by an international authorship, will highlight the best practices in improving survival while paving a roadmap for the expected changes in the next 10 years as healthcare undergoes major transformation and reform. An invited group of experts in the field will participate in this project to provide the timeliest and informative approaches to how to deal with this global health challenge. The book will be indispensable to all who treat pediatric cardiac disease and will provide important information about managing the risk of patients with pediatric and congenital cardiac disease in the three domains of: the analysis of outcomes, the improvement of quality, and the safety of patients.

Adrenomedullin was discovered in 1993 in an extract of human pheochromocytoma while monitoring cAMP levels in rat platelets. Adrenomedullin has attracted considerable interest among cardiologists due to its impact on the cardiovascular system which includes a decrease in blood pressure in vivo; an impact on vascular smooth muscle cells; increases cAMP levels; indirectly reduces blood pressure and has role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis.

Adrenomedullin in Cardiovascular Disease is an up-to-date review of the most relevant aspects of adrenomedullin. It encompasses a broad range of fields including biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and clinical applications of adrenomedullin to cardiovascular disease.

This book summarizes present knowledge of different mechanisms involved in the development of positive and negative consequences of cardiac adaptation. Particular attention is paid to the still underestimated adaptive cardiac responses during development, to adaptation to the frequently occurring pressure and volume overload as well as to cardiac changes, induced by enduring exercise and chronic hypoxia. "Cardiac Adaptations" will be of great value to cardiovascular investigators, who will find this book highly useful in their cardiovascular studies for finding solutions in diverse pathological conditions; it will also appeal to students, fellows, scientists, and clinicians interested in cardiovascular abnormalities."

This text serves as a convenient one-stop resource on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases in context of advanced heart failure and presence of ventricular assist devices. Advances in managing heart failure, evidence-based practices and therapies are covered, along with the management of this unique and complex subset of patients. The book also provides insights into combined heart and kidney transplantation. Authored by leaders in nephrology, cardiology and transplantation, this book fills a critical knowledge gap in understanding and treating patients with acute or chronic dysfunction of the heart and kidneys and how one induces dysfunction in the other organ.

The dance along the artery The circulation on the lymph Are figured in the drift of stars. T. S. Eliot Die Methode ist alles. Carl Ludwig In physiology a spirit of finesse is required. Claude Bernard Armed with modern Doppler instrumentation, scientists can now quantify the red blood cell's "dance along the artery" as well as "the drift of stars. " In disciplines of science and medicine ranging from cardiology to astronomy, the Doppler principle now provides invaluable velo city measurements in the microcosm of capillary beds and in the cosmos. The newest appiication of the ubiquitous Doppler principle, laser-Doppler velocimetry, has been used to measure blood ftow in tissue for just a few years, but we perceived that, like most new techniques, the birth of laser-Doppler blood ftowmetry was not easy, nor was it likely to pass through infancy and reach maturity without difficulty. In physiology and medicine, better techniques for measur ing blood ftow are constantly in demand, but they often exhibit an unfortun ate boom-and-bust cyde: widespread acceptance and uncritical use are soon xiii xiv Preface followed by studies delineating the limits of the method's validity. The technique is then abandoned for the next more fashionable one, thus proving Ludwig's dictum that a given method is everything or nothing depending upon whether one can believe the data it yields."