As a leading cause of death in developed countries, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and its various treatment options are of great concern to those in the cardiology field. This text presents evidence-based chapters that supply clinicians with real-life situations and strategies to treat STEMI patients more effectively and at a quicker pace. A highly illustrated and fully referenced source, this comprehensive text provides both a scientific background and a practical overview of the invasive management of STEMI patients.

This comprehensive text follows an evidence-based approach to thoroughly discuss Atrial septal defects. Since this congenital heart disease mostly presents in adulthood, it becomes imperative to understand the embryology, pathophysiology and anatomy in detail, for effective management of these patients. This book has strong clinical focus on anatomy, natural history, indications, imaging methods and practical aspects of disease management, which inculcates best practice in the day to day management techniques employed by cardiologists, trainees and professionals. Key Features Covers all aspects of atrial septal defects with a logical flow of topics. Serves as a useful guide to clinical cardiologists aiming to specialize in atrial septal defects and professionals entering the field. Explores future directions in diagnosis and treatment, elaborating on the use of 3D echocardiography and Intracardiac echocardiography.

Anemia is common among patients with heart failure. The degree of anemia in patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction is associated with a poor prognosis, and anemia in patients with chronic heart failure from any cause has repeatedly been shown to predict a poor outcome.? Heart failure specialists believe that correction of reduced hemoglobin should be studied further to see whether it can help in the management of this serious chronic disease.? This issue brings together all of the most current information about the relationship of anemia to heart failure and the role of anemia treatment in management of heart failure.

This issue of Medical Clinics of North America covers everything the internist needs to know about the diagnosis and treatment of chest pain.? Topics covered include respiratory causes of chest pain; cardiac causes; gastroenterological causes, such as GERD and dysphagia; musculoskeletal causes, such as fibromyalgia and segmental dysfunction; psychological causes, skin and soft tissue causes, and pediatric chest pain.? A detailed master algorithm for diagnosis and management is provided, and future directions are also discussed.

Sleep Apnea: Implications in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease specifically addresses the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular consequences of sleep apnea and is geared toward a broad readership of physicians that will ultimately aid patients suffering from sleep apnea.

The Second Edition ensures that there is a critical synthesis of existing literature and new information, linking sleep apnea to the major disease burdens faced by developed and developing nations. This synthesis includes both new basic and epidemiological data and published clinical trials linking sleep apnea to:

• inflammation
• the metabolic syndrome
• stroke
• hypertension and heart failure

Epicardial ablation is a relatively new technique that is less invasive than traditional surgical ablation.? It shows promise in certain patient populations.? This issue of Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics is one of the first collections of articles on this cutting edge technique.

Cardiology is becoming an increasingly complex field understood by only a select group of medical specialists. This publication demystifies many difficult topics in interventional cardiology and cardiac catheterisation, commencing with the basics of laboratory instrumentation and technology and progressing to a comprehensive review of both new and established cardiac interventions. Unlike other publications that are directed mainly towards clinicians, this text is specifically written to assist newcomers such as such as medical trainees, nurses, technicians, scientific staff and other allied health professionals understand the wonders of interventional cardiology, and includes extensive explanations of the techniques of angiography, and new percutaneous. The comprehensive information presented herein, written by recognised specialists in their respective fields, will no doubt prove of great benefit to clinician and non-medical specialist alike.

This comprehensive text follows an evidence-based approach to thoroughly discuss Atrial septal defects. Since this congenital heart disease mostly presents in adulthood, it becomes imperative to understand the embryology, pathophysiology and anatomy in detail, for effective management of these patients. This book has strong clinical focus on anatomy, natural history, indications, imaging methods and practical aspects of disease management, which inculcates best practice in the day to day management techniques employed by cardiologists, trainees and professionals. Key Features Covers all aspects of atrial septal defects with a logical flow of topics. Serves as a useful guide to clinical cardiologists aiming to specialize in atrial septal defects and professionals entering the field. Explores future directions in diagnosis and treatment, elaborating on the use of 3D echocardiography and Intracardiac echocardiography.

* Guides practicing physicians in the practical aspects of how to diagnose and treat patients with congenital heart disease* Reviews the most common congenital cardiac anomalies seen in practice* Focuses on both clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging modalities as well as practical management issues, as well as when to refer patients to tertiary care centres* Each chapter is preceded by a case study to exemplify the issues which may be challenging in practical management

This book covers the latest developments in the therapeutic implications of angiogenesis, ranging from angiogenesis in the brain, angiogenesis in cancer, angiogenesis' role in atherosclerosis and heart disease as well as metabolic disorders and peripheral vascular disease. The book is comprehensive in its coverage of angiogenesis in a diverse set of diseases and examines the role of cellular and subcellular structures during the development of angiogenesis. Well-organized and thorough, this is an ideal book for researchers and biomedical engineers working in the field of therapeutic implications of angiogenesis. This book also: Covers the basics of the physiology of angiogenesis, including VEGF pathways in angiogenesis, integr ins in angiogenesis, angiogenesis and exercise physiology, and more Details the role of angiogenesis in atherosclerosis and heart disease, including vascular endothelial growth factor and atherosclerotic plaque progression as well as angiogenesis and heart failure Illustrates in detail brain angiogenesis after stroke and the relationship between angiogenesis and Alzheimer's disease

With cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the United States, the topic of preventive cardiology deserves intense examination. Michael Rich and George Mensah guest edit this issue, which explores important topics, such as the burden of cardiovascular disease, updates on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, all geared towards the elderly patient. This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine also covers the effects of physical activity on cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular outcomes, impact of strength and resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes, cellular mechanisms and the effects of caloric restriction, obesity and the obesity paradox, and the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in older adults.

Bamboo is an ordinary plant with extraordinary properties. With its high growth rate and self-renewing ability, bamboo's sustainability is unparalleled. Bamboo is an important resource for a healthy planet, and its shoots hold manifold nutritional benefits. Based on 18 years of research, Bamboo Shoot: Superfood for Nutrition, Health and Medicine details health-promoting bioactive compounds found in bamboo and offers practical guidance on how this vegetable, bamboo shoot, is used for food fortification. Already a delicacy in many Asian countries, bamboo shoots aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Exploring the tradition and culture of bamboo in Asian countries, this book also provides information on the science behind the nutritional value of bamboo shoots. Written by individuals with expertise in bamboo shoot nutrition and fully illustrated in colour, this book reveals the antioxidant activity of bamboo shoots and discusses the potential for bamboo to be used as an ingredient in functional foods and nutraceuticals. This highly practical book discusses processing and packaging of shoots for long term storage and using bamboo in the development of novel food products. Features: Elucidates the nutrients and phytochemicals in over 30 bamboo species and includes a glossary of scientific names Highlights the nutraceutical and antioxidant properties of bamboo Describes novel healthy food products fortified with bamboo shoots and provides food recipes using bamboo Explains how bamboo can help countries achieve their sustainable development goals, from poverty reduction, food security, improved nutrition and prevention of diseases to climate change mitigation and inclusive green economic development Aimed at professionals in the nutrition and food processing industry, this book appeals to those with an interest in incorporating bamboo into a healthier lifestyle. Endorsements This is a unique book interestingly crafted to highlight the important nutritional, health and medicinal aspects of Bamboo, an area that is greatly underexplored. It will bring awareness that bamboo shoots are a low calorie, high fibre nutritious vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. - Prof. Cherla Sastry, Founding Director General INBAR and Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto, Canada This book brings a series of answers to all questions related to bamboo as a superfood [and will] enlighten readers how to transform bamboo shoots using either traditional or modern techniques, how to package them and how to use them as a functional and nutraceutical food. It also provides a series of cooking recipes for healthy eating while we enjoy our food. - Ximena Londono, Founder, A Bamboo and Guadua Paradise, Colombia

Computed tomography (CT) is becoming increasingly more important in the diagnosis of cardiac disease. As more hospitals purchase scanners for cardiac CT, more cardiologists are learning how to interpret the scans. This issue is geared to helping cardiologists understand and adopt this new modality. It includes articles on CT angiography, evaluation of the coronary atherosclerotic plaque, evaluation of heart valves, and electrophysiology applications of CT, among others.

A host of imaging techniques are available to clinical cardiologists, including nuclear imaging, echocardiography, computerized tomography, and magnetic-resonance imaging. Chamber size, ventricular function, valvular function, coronary anatomy, and myocardial perfusion are among a wide array of cardiac characteristics that can all be assessed noninvasively. Cardiovascular Imaging systematically reviews each of these major techniques and provides clinical data from well-designed research studies. Following a brief overview of non-invasive cardiac imaging and the stress modalities used to detect coronary disease, case-based chapters are devoted to each of the various imaging techniques. The final chapter provides a glimpse of future possibilities, particularly with respect to molecular imaging. The text is illustrated throughout with amply-sized images. Demonstrating the values and limitations of the imaging techniques, the book enables practitioners to determine which test, in which patient population, and for which purpose would be the most appropriate to use.

1. The controlled clinical trial - a model for the intricate relationships between clinical medicine and drug research.- 1.1. Introduction.- 1.2. The evolution of the controlled clinical trial (CCT).- 1.3 The implementation of the controlled clinical trial in drug research.- 1.4. Criticism of the classical view of the controlled clinical trial.- 1.5. Conclusions.- 2. The architecture of drug discovery.- 2.1. Introduction.- 1. The discovery process.- 2.2. Current views of drug discovery.- 2.2.1. Basic concepts in drug discovery.- 2.2.2. Basic epistemologies in drug discovery.- 2.3. Scientific discovery from the viewpoint of cognitive science.- 2.4. The drug discovery process revisited.- 2. The representation of knowledge about drugs and diseases.- 2.5. An epistemological analysis of the concept of drug and disease profiles.- 2.5.1. Introduction.- 2.5.2. The concept of drug profile.- 2.5.2.1..The classification of drugs.- 2.5.2.2. Incursion of drug profiles into disease profiles.- 2.5.2.3. The nature of drug characteristics.- 2.5.3. The concept of disease profile.- 2.5.3.1. Disease profiles as pigeon holes of medical knowledge.- 2.5.3.2. The fundamental basis of taxonomy in medicine.- 2.5.3.3. Convergent and divergent forces in clinical taxonomy.- 2.5.3.4. The translation of everyday medical language into the structure of profiles.- 2.5.4. Conclusions.- 3. A set-theoretical model of drug discovery.- 2.6. A definition of the concept of profile in terms of set theory.- 2.6.1. Introduction.- 2.6.2. The first aspect of a profile: membership.- 2.6.3. The second aspect of the concept of profile: values of the disease characteristics.- 2.6.4. The third aspect of the concept of profile: ranking order of characteristics.- 2.6.5. Conclusions.- 2.7. The drug discovery process - a set-theoretical model.- 2.7.1. Introduction.- 2.7.2. A naive definition.- 2.7.3. First adjustment of the naive defenition: structural and functional characteristics of drugs.- 2.7.4. Second adjustment of the naive defenition: disease characteristics.- 2.7.5. The improvement of toxic effects of drugs: positive and negative aspects and their judgment.- 2.7.6. Conclusions.- 3.Experimental and therapeutic profiling in drug innovation: the early history of the beta blockers.- 3.1. Introduction.- 3.2. Historical overview of the development of the beta blockers.- 3.3. From Dale to Ahlquist: a new methodology in pharmacology.- 3.4. Change in the concepts of agonist and antagonist.- 3.5. Experimental and therapeutic profiling in drug innovation.- 3.5.1. Cardiac arrhythmias.- 3.5.2. Angina pectoris.- 3.6. Conclusions.- 4. Industrial research and beta blockade.- 4.1. Introduction.- 4.2. Beta blocker research at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).- 4.2.1. The early phase.- 4.2.2. The birth of pronethalol.- 4.2.3. The demise of pronethalol.- 4.2.4. The development of propranolol.- 4.2.4.1. A "clean" drug.- 4.2.4.2. The rapid expansion of a successful drug.- 4.2.4.3. Endangered drug.- 4.2.5. The development of practolol.- 4.2.5.1. Practolol: a tool in industrial research.- 4.2.5.2. Selectivity in industrial and academic research.- 4.2.5.3. The therapeutic interest.- 4.3. The beta blocker project of Eli Lilly & Co..- 4.4. The beta blocker project of Mead Johnson.- 4.5. The beta blocker project of AB Hassle.- 4.5.1. The early phase.- 4.5.2. Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity of alprenolol.- 4.5.3. The profiling of alprenolol.- 4.5.4. Selective beta blockade.- 4.6. The beta blocker project at CIBA.- 4.7. Conclusions.- 5. Verapamil: dying drug or sleeping beauty?.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 The early history of verapamil.- 5.3 Verapamil: a coronary vasodilator?.- 5.4 Verapamil: a beta blocker?.- 5.5. Verapamil: a calcium antagonist! - The elucidation of verapamil's mechanism of action by Fleckenstein.- 5.6. Citation analysis of the concept of calcium antagonism elaborated by Fleckenstein.- 5.7. The application of the theory of drug and disease profiles.- 5.7.1. Changing views on the

Biomarkers - which may be enzymes, hormones, biologic substances, or other markers of cardiac stress and malfunction - appear to have growing clinical importance in heart failure. Many biomarkers appear to provide important information about the cause of heart failure or the identification of those at risk for heart failure or appear to be useful in risk stratification, in the diagnosis of heart failure, or in monitoring therapy. This issue discusses the current and potential future role of biomarkers and includes articles that explore individual biomarkers in depth.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has evolved into a first-line imaging tool for several cardiac pathologies over the past decade. It is continuing to evolve as new applications are found and old ones are refined. This issue has a dual focus. One aspect of focus is on the areas in which CMI is the best modality, such as assessment of cardiac morphology and cardiac function, evaluation of pericardial disease and intracardiac masses, and detection of coronary artery disease. The other focus is on areas in which the role of CMI is expanding, such as in the assessment of left and right ventricular diastolic function.

In recent years there have been major advances in the fields of cardiovascular nuclear medicine and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In nuclear cardiology more adequate tomographic systems have been designed for routine cardiac use, as well as new or improved quatitative analytic software packages both for planar and tomographic studies implemented on modern state-of-the-art workstations. In addition, artificial intelligence techniques are being applied to these images in attempts to interpret the nuclear studies in a more objective and reproductive manner. Various new radiotracers have been developed, such as antimyosin, labelled isonitriles, metabolic compounds, etcetera. Furthermore, alternative stress testing with dipyridamole and dobutamine has received much attention in clinical cardiac practice. Magnetic resonance imaging is a relative newcomer in cardiology and has already shown its merits, not only for anatomical information but increasingly for the functional aspects of cardiac performance.

Catheter-based or invasive x-ray coronary angiography is undergoing a profound change in large part because of the transition to a digital image format that now allows computer processing, 3-D reconstructions, advanced graphics and analysis, and multimodality fusion. 3D reconstruction of blood vessels is done in real time, providing an accurate picture of the vessels and their relationship to each other. This gives the physician much more detailed information for performing coronary interventional procedures, such as noninvasive valve repair with a stricture band.

The sixth edition of Ellestad's classic text on cardiac stress testing has been extensively updated and re-written to communicate contemporary understanding of the classical principles of stress testing to clinicians and researchers, students and seasoned practitioners alike. The current techniques for performing stress tests presented herein reflect major technologic advances in imaging, physiologic monitoring and the assessment of cardiovascular risk, addressing fundamental paradigm shifts in interventional, surgical and medical treatment of heart disease. Moreover, the text addresses the dramatic changes that are occurring in patient demographics and the environmental, socioeconomic, gender and genomic factors that crucially impact heart disease and warrant attention when performing cardiac stress testing. Chapters on the physiology of exercise testing including practical details regarding protocols for conducting the stress test, proper supervision, important parameters to be monitored, and the diagnostic and prognostic information to be gleaned from the electrocardiogram set the stage for expanded chapters on the use of cardiac imaging in conjunction with stress testing. Physiologic and metabolic considerations during stress testing are covered in detail. Application of stress testing to special populations, such as women, children, athletes, and individuals in both high and low risk groups are covered in new chapters. Finally, the authors address the use of stress testing in limited resource environments and discuss global changes in the incidence of atherosclerosis, and suggest how stress testing may evolve.

Nuclear Cardiology is a dynamic, rapidly growing field. Because this field has grown so quickly, a shortage of trained physicians is projected. This first ever issue of Cardiology Clinics devoted to nuclear cardiology was planned to meet the demand for information in this field. Articles in the issue focus on the most recent developments.

This book describes the role of basic and advanced imaging techniques in the diagnosis of different types of cardiomyopathy, including dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and infiltrative/storage cardiomyopathies. While the main focus is on echocardiography, the applications of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are also described. Throughout, a clinically oriented approach is employed: detailed attention is paid to differential diagnosis and numerous high-quality images depict the main features of the various types of cardiomyopathy. Consideration is also given to the genetics of cardiomyopathies, with analysis of genotype-phenotype relationships. Finally, the potential value of imaging in prognostic assessment and in guiding treatment is described.

Acute heart failure has relatively recently been recognized as a distinct entity within the continuum of heart failure. Patients with acute heart failure present to the emergency department when they are unable to breathe, and their pathophysiology differs from that of patients sitting in a doctor's office. Medical literature is just beginning to catch up with this distinct and challenging problem. This issue of Heart Failure Clinics should make an important contribution to the literature with its coverage of transportation and EMT services, triage, and specific treatment for patients in acute heart failure, including advanced treatment methods.

The second edition of this critical text features heavily revised chapters detailing how to approach the anesthetic and perioperative management of adult and pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. Initially, a broad overview of relevant concepts in pediatric cardiovascular embryology, physiology, and pharmacology is provided. Subsequently, relevant diagnostic approaches including the use of three-dimensional modeling in surgical planning and preoperative considerations are described. The intraoperative management of a wide range of specific lesions is discussed, with full descriptions of anesthesia plans and the appropriate diagnostic methods and surgical interventions. New topics detailed include the use of hybrid techniques and applications of electrophysiology in patients with congenital heart disease. Postoperative care and potential future approaches are also addressed. Congenital Heart Disease in Pediatric and Adult Patients: Anesthetic and Perioperative Management provide a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the care of the pediatric patient undergoing cardiac surgery and anesthesia. It is therefore of interest to all practicing and trainee medical professionals who encounter these patients in their day-to-day practice.

."" . . every critical examination of HF therapy in the United States has documented that we are not using all the weapons in our arsenal. We know what works, yet we are not systematically applying these proven therapies."
"-- from the Introduction

If you are interested in a better way to treat heart failure, this book is for you. Dr. Michael McIvor - who has taught thousands of healthcare professionals how to effectively care for patients with chronic HF through CME symposia - takes a logical, step-by-step approach to setting up and operating the kind of program that reduces hospital admissions and improves patient care.

Establishing a Heart Failure Program: The Essential Guide answers the different questions posed by physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and hospital administrators, all of whom need to work as a team to achieve success. The three major sections of the book address:

Taking the first steps toward building your heart failure program - developing a business plan, choosing your model of care, and making accurate financial projections
Assembling the pieces of your program - managers, front line staff, and the physical facility
Day-to-day operations

A companion website presents forms you can download and use in your own heart failure center. Drawing from experience, Dr. McIvor helps you avoid common problems by identifying potential problems and sharing advice that has proven effective to your colleagues. He gives you the essential tools - unavailable elsewhere - to set up and maintain a heart failure program that achieves superior clinical outcomes.