This second edition is adheres to the guiding principles of the first edition while serving as a useful and up to date manual on the theory, performance and application of CCTA. Since the publication of the first edition of this work, cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) has come a long way. It is now a main stream, well established cardiac diagnostic imaging modality with wide spread acceptance and application.

This book is designed for clinical cardiologists and other physicians working with cardiac patients, where specific specialized teams of cardio-oncologists are not available and who are called to perform a clinical consultation to evaluate both the cardiac condition and the eligibility for chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, and to evaluate if a cancer treatment produces toxic effects on a patient treated with chemo or radiotherapy and if appearance of new symptoms is due to this treatment. In recent years, progress in oncologic therapy has resulted in important developments and the prognostic improvement of patients with malignancy. The cornerstone of chemotherapy are the anthracyclines (and the analogue Mitoxantrone), that are direct cellular toxic agents and that are among the most powerful anti-neoplastic drugs, but their cardiac toxicity is well known. Significant breakthroughs in cancer therapy have also been achieved with the introduction of signalling inhibitors, such as VEGF inhibitors, HERB2 inhibitors or TK inhibitors used alone or in combination with direct cellular toxic drugs. However, these signalling inhibitors may interact also with cardiovascular signalling and therefore may have functional or structural effects on the myocardium. This can be permanent or reversible, with impairment of the global conditions and important side effects, and increase both morbidity and mortality and worsening of quality of life. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can have acute detrimental effects that can be present for years after treatment and that can lead to cardiac consequences also after long periods of no clinic sequelae. Patient numbers with cancer problems will dramatically increase in the next years and thus every cardiologist will need to have the correct information and the skills to manage these situations in the correct way. This book will provide these tools for them.

Heart Failure, Second Edition has been updated to provide the latest advancements in heart failure research. Supplemented by more than 200 high-quality figures and illustrations, the book helps cardiologists and emergency care physicians quickly and accurately identify the cause and severity of a patient's cardiac impairment. New topics in this edition include: Developments in mechanical and pharmacologic treatments Discoveries in developmental biology Up-and-coming imaging modalities Surgical options for mechanical circulatory support and cardiac transplantation Pharmacogenomics and gene-based and cell-based therapies Gene expression/recurrence in heart failure Changes in metabolic substrate utilization and pathways

Development in a majority of medicine branches today is based on technological advancement. This is the case in cardiology, where medical devices designed to correct heart rhythm - pacemakers, cardioverters-defibrillators and biventricular systems - are implanted in order to help a sick heart. Medical pacing devices today are only developed and produced globally by a several producers who make different technical solutions, algorithms, system parameters etc. The book Implantable Cardiac Devices Technology is targeted at biomedical, clinical engineers, technicians in practice, students of biomedical disciplines, and all medical staff who are required to understand the basics of pacing technology. The book is comprised of fourteen chapters that are further subdivided according to specific topics. Chapters dealing with basic heart anatomy, physiology and arythmology are included for the sake of comprehensiveness. Chapters avoid the description of special functions, but cover general procedures and parameters common for the systems of all producers. The book is intended to serve as a monothematic textbook. In order to make the text comprehensible and well arranged for a reader, references to professional literature are only provided once in a respective chapter.

Subjects in the monograph "Biophysics of the Failing Heart" include state of the art chapters considering major biophysical mechanisms for why hearts responding to acquired or inherited stressors enter into maladaptive processes eventually leading to an inability of the heart to respond efficiently to hemodynamic loads especially during exercise. The chapters describe biophysical techniques that have been applied to determine the triggers for the heart failure process as well as the mechanisms for sustaining the disorders. These techniques include measurements of active and passive mechanical properties and hemodynamics at levels of organization ranging from molecules to hearts beating in situ. Biophysical concepts and approaches are also applied to determination of signaling and signal transduction, energetics, ionic currents, transport processes, electro-chemical and chemo-mechanical coupling. By its emphasis on biophysical aspects of a prevalent clinical condition, the monograph is unique in its perspective and focus. The breadth of information in the chapters all in one place will be of value to clinicians and researchers at all levels. Modern research approaches and clinical understanding of heart failure demands integration of multiple aspects of the disorders. In most cases, combinations of clinician scientists and researchers author the chapters. A main benefit of the book is couched in its didactic approach together with its emphasis on how biophysical concepts and techniques aid in diagnosis and development of new therapies.

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder found in a variety of settings. Manifestations range from subtle abnormalities to convulsions and death. New treatment options, such as Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) antagonists, have created the need for a resource presenting the latest evidence and clinical approaches. Hyponatremia: Evaluation and Treatment is a comprehensive review of hyponatremia, with an emphasis on managing this disorder from diagnosis to treatment. The incidence and occurrence of acute and chronic hyponatremia in general terms are covered, as well as disorders of the central nervous system, heart and liver with their relation to hyponatremia. Common clinical scenarios are presented along with both traditional and new methods of treatment. Authored by experts on this disorder from around the world, experienced members of the medical community and trainees alike will find Hyponatremia as an indispensible guide to diagnosis, managing and treating patients with hyponatremia.

Peripheral and Cerebrovascular Intervention draws upon experts from diverse fields to provide readers with a comprehensive foundation for understanding and performing endovascular procedures -- from the basic steps to the most current and advanced techniques. Individual chapters focus on primary intervention sites, including lower extremity, renal/mesenteric, subclavian/upper extremity, carotid/vertebral, intracranial, and venous interventions. Additionally, chapters covering critical limb ischemia and abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms are included. By incorporating valuable clinical information, such as indications, contraindications, complications, and discussions of surgical techniques and procedures, this book is a valuable resource for the busy practitioner and will be of interest to all interventional and general cardiologists, radiologists, and neurologists; vascular surgeons; internists; and residents and fellows.

Sphingolipids are lipid components of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells with an important function in signaling mechanisms in the cell. This book provides insight into the physiological and pathophysiological role of sphingolipids and in particular its derivative ceramide. The function of Sphingolipids in cell signaling with regard to infectious and lung diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders are described and treated in distinct parts. Together with Volume 215 from the same Editors, the collection represents a unique, comprehensive work on Sphingolipids, providing information on both: Sphingolipid basic biology as well as its important function in a (patho)physiological context. The book is written for scientists in pharmacology, biochemistry and cell biology with a focus on biomedical research as well as for clinicians in pharmacology, oncology, cardiology, neurology and infectious disease.

The thoroughly updated second edition of this key textbook provides an authoritative discussion of cardiovascular disease for the practicing primary care clinician. It examines a variety of disease states with emphasis on risk factors, risk estimation, and established cardiac disease. The book also explores the co-morbid conditions that surround cardiovascular disease. It includes key points, algorithms, case studies, recommendations on evidence-based practice, and summary boxes. A key resource for the busy practitioner, the Second Edition of Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medicine in the Primary Care Setting is designed to give residents, fellows, and primary care physicians the skills to confidently perform assessments, initiate and maintain efficacious therapy, and know when a referral to a cardiologist is advisable.

Anatomische Grundlagen.- Das spezialisierte Erregungsleitungssystem.Das vegetative (autonome) Nervensystem des Herzens. Elektrophysiologische Grundlagen.- Das Membranpotenzial.Das Aktionspotenzial.Die elektrische Refraktarzeit.Die elektrische Leitfahigkeit.Die elektrische Erregungsausbreitung.Der Einfluss des vegetativen Nervensystems. Diagnostische Grundlagen.- Das Elektrokardiogramm.Auswertung des Elektrokardiogramms.Der Rhythmus.Die Herzfrequenz.Der Lagetyp.Die Zeitenanalyse.Die Formenanalyse.Der Rechtsschenkelblock.Der Linksschenkelblock.Der bifaszikulare Block.Vergroesserung der Herzkammern.Myokardiale(r) Ischamie / Infarkt.Akuter Myokardinfarkt und neu aufgetretene Schenkelblockbildung.Der ST-T-Komplex.Die T-Welle.Elektrolyt-stoerungen.Das Langzeitelektrokardiogramm.Das Belastungselektro-kardiogramm.Das Summationselektrokardiogramm.Intrakardiale EKG-Diagnostik.Programmierte elektrische Stimulation.Elektrophysiologische Untersuchung.Neue nichtinvasive diagnostische Verfahren.Herzfrequenzvariabilitat.Baroreflexsensitivitat.Arrhythmiemechanismen. Therapeutische Grundlagen.- Pharmakotherapie.Klassifizierung der Antiarrhythmika.Digitalis.Elektrische Therapie.Antibradykarde Schrittmacherstimulation.UEberwachung von Patienten mit permanentem Herzschrittmacher.Neue Indikationen zur permanenten Schrittmacher-stimulation.Implantierbarer Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD).Hochfrequenzkatheterablation.Chirurgische Therapie. Diagnostik und Therapie von Herzrhythmusstoerungen.- Normaler Sinusrhythmus.Bradykarde Herzrhythmusstoerungen. Sinusbradykardie.Sinusknotenstillstand.Sinuatriale Blockierungen.AV-Leitungsstoerungen.Absolute Kammerarrhythmie bei Vorhofflimmern/-flattern.AV-Dissoziation Therapie bradykarder Herzrhythmusstoerungen.Morgagni-Adams-Stokes-Syndrom (MAS-Syndrom).Sinusknotensyndrom.Carotissinussyndrom.Schritt Herzrhythmusstoerungen.Sinustachykardie.Vorhofflattern.Vorhof AV-Knoten-Reentry-Tachykardie (AVNT).AV-junktionale-Reentry-Tachykardie

Induced pluripotent stem cells in cardiovascular research.- TRPs in the brain.- The channel physiology of the skin.

This book is not intended as a full detailed report on hypertension and related disorders, but instead focuses on particular issues in hypertension. It looks at emerging recently described forms of hypertension that are frequently encountered in clinical practice (prehypertension, white-coat and masked hypertension, hypertension in the elderly) and discusses novel aspects of target organ disease (for example, cognitive impairment, dementia, and sexual dysfunction), and changing concepts in the management of hypertension and antihypertensive pharmacotherapy. It also looks at specific topics that are rarely discussed in books, including hypertension control in postmenopausal women on hormonal replacement therapy, Ramadan fasting, painful inflammatory disorders, and aldosterone escape. Finally, it examines newer cardiovascular risk factors (for example, uric acid, circadian blood pressure changes, blood pressure variability).

Taurine 8 represents the combined efforts of investigators on the roles of the amino acid taurine on human health and disease. The chapters covered in this book are directly derived from presentations of the contributors at the 18th International Taurine Meeting held in Marrakech, Morocco in April 2012. The purpose of this book is to disseminate current findings on taurine's contribution in several organ systems. This book covers the following topics: Taurine in Nutrition and Metabolism, the Protective Role of Taurine, and the Role of Taurine in Reproduction, Development, and Differentiation. Dr. Abdeslem El Idrissi, College of Staten Island and Dr. William L'Amoreaux, College of Staten Island, were co-chairs of the Organizing Committee for the meeting. Data presented at this meeting provided compelling evidence that taurine is not only cytoprotective in cardiomyocytes, but also is a potent GABA agonist, whereby it can facilitate vasodilation of conducting arteries. Taurine conjugates, such as taurine chloramine, may protect cells from oxidative stress via increased HO-1 expression. In adult rodents, taurine has a potent effect on plasma glucose levels, likely through the release of insulin in pancreatic beta cells. As a potential neurotransmitter, taurine is known to work via the GABAergic system, but current research presented at this meeting suggest that taurine may interact with glutamate and serotonin receptors as well. Data are also presented to demonstrate the protective roles of taurine on neurons in neuroblastoma. Perhaps the most important and exciting presentation is the role of taurine and alcohol: the combination may be lethal. Data are also presented at this meeting of the potential role taurine may have as an adjuvant treatment with cisplatin in chemotherapy.

This book makes sense of complex topics by distilling them to basic concepts. It provides normal physiology integrated with indications for and evaluation of disease states. With a fresh clinical approach, it helps answer reoccurring questions.

Over the past two decades, due to dramatic advances in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics, our view on mitochondria as a relatively static cellular powerhouse has changed radically. We now know that these organelles play a critical role in the normal and in the damaged heart. Written by Dr. Jose Marin-Garcia, Director of the Molecular Cardiology and Neuromuscular Institute, Mitochondria and Their Role in Cardiovascular Disease brings readers up- to-date on the many significant advances in the field of mitochondrial cardiovascular medicine. The book begins with a general introduction to mitochondria, followed by laboratory methods to study the structure and function of the organelle, regulation of replication and biogenesis, and the mechanisms and functional consequences of mitophagia and mitochondrial dynamics. Subsequent chapters deal with mitochondrial oxidative stress and the role that the organelle plays in cell signaling and cell death. Discussions will be undertaken on the biochemistry of mitochondrial cell signaling, including the nature of the proteins engaged in these processes, many of them only recently discovered. Later chapters examine the role of mitochondria and mitochondrial abnormalities in cardiovascular diseases, including their diagnosis, therapeutic options currently available, animal models of mitochondrial disease, and new frontiers in mitochondria cardiovascular medicine, including areas of research that are relatively new or developing, such as proteomics, next generation sequencing, and systems biology.

This book describes current examination techniques and advanced clinical applications of state-of-the-art multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners. There are contributions from several distinguished radiologists and clinicians. Each chapter is written from a practical perspective, so that radiologists, residents, medical physicists, and radiology technologists can obtain relevant information about MDCT applications.

Over the past twenty years, stress echocardiography has developed into a well-established technique that is versatile, patient friendly, and relatively inexpensive. This new, extensively revised and enlarged edition of Stress Echocardiography documents all of the very significant advances made since the fourth edition. The early chapters place the technique within a historical context and describe its pathophysiological basis. Thereafter, all aspects of stress echocardiography are discussed, clearly and in detail, by the distinguished pioneer, Eugenio Picano, and other contributors carefully selected for their expertise. Both mainstream and emerging applications are explained, and systematic comparisons with competing and complementary cardiac imaging techniques are provided. The text is supported by a large number of high-quality illustrations. This book is invaluable not only to cardiologists but also to non-experts, such as technicians and students.

Key Features: 1. Covers the entire spectrum of cardiovascular computed tomography, this 3rd edition provides a concise and practical text focused on the essential material. 2. Addresses the needs of radiologists and cardiologists who practice cardiac imaging, both experienced and beginners, providing technical and practical aspects of MDCT for cardiovascular applications, especially from the perspective of clinicians. 3. Contains new material covering recent developments in CT scanner technology and clinical indications.

This book provides the only comprehensive treatise available on Fanconi Anemia. It gives a detailed analysis from the clinical to the molecular levels of the disorder. It also allows insight into the mechanisms of responses to DNA damage, and the complex interactions of several previously unknown proteins. The book will give research students a platform for further investigation, and act as a source of information regarding experimental design.

Endocarditis: Diagnosis and Management is an important resource of clinical information that provides relevant information on the diagnosis and management of endocarditis. It is useful to all practitioners who are involved in the care of these critically ill patients.

Both scientifically and socially the Vlth International Symposium on Amyloidosis, August 5 - 8, 1990 in Oslo was a great success. There were three and a half intensive days. It started with the Opening Ceremony, particularly highlighted with the Norway-Norway multi media show by David Cochron, and ended with a visit to the Edvard Munch museuro and the Farewell Salmon Dinner on the evening of August 8 (not to forget the "happy birthday" song for Dorothea Zucker-Franklin at the breakfast table the following morning). In between was the intellectual penetration into the science of amyloidosis and amyloid proteins, and a deepening of many friendships among young and old "amyloidologists", together with some of the cultural and historical features of Oslo and Norway. Among the numerous Ietters of thanks and gratitude that we have received, the senior organizer of the previous meeting, Takashi lsobe said it briefly and eloquently: "You have overwhelmed us, you have performed a drama with joy and cheer, you have hosted so nicely with lovely secretariat, you have arranged impressive hospitality in every respect, you certainly did for all of us" Now we are left with the proceedings book for the three coming years until the next symposium in Kingston, Canada, which will be organized by Drs. Robert Kisilevsky and Thomas Muckle from the Department of Pathology at Queens University in 1993. The scientific contributions herein cover all the sessions of the meeting.

Ithaslongbeenknownthatamphibiaandotherlowerordervertebrates havethecapacitytoregeneratelimbsaswellasdamagedheartsorbrains. Overthepastdecade,therehasbeenamajorchangeinthewaythatthe potentialforregenerationinmammalsisviewed.Earlier,incontrastto the acceptance of regeneration in amphibia, it was generally believed that there was very limited if any capacity for regeneration in many mammalianorgansystemssuchastheheartandbrain.Thediscoveryof tissue-resident adult stem cells and the description of the properties of embryonic stem cells have altered this view. This change in paradigm VI Preface has led to the hope that these discoveries can be harnessed in medical practicetocurechronicdisablingdiseases. The use of tissue-resident adult stem cells depends on the ability to either mobilize them or to convert them from one lineage to another. These problems do not arise with embryonic stem cells. Instead, their useisfraughtwithethicalandpoliticalissuesaswellasthequestionof howtodirecttheirdifferentiationtowardthedesiredcelltype.Whichever approachistaken,issuesofsafetyhavetobeparamount.Inparticular,the roleofstemcellsintumorigenesisiscriticalinassessingtheirpotential clinicalutility. The Ernst Schering Research Foundation and the Riken Center on DevelopmentalBiologyjointlyorganizedaworkshopon"ThePromises andChallengesofRegenerativeMedicine,"whichtookplaceinKobe, Japan on 20-22 October 2004. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the present state of knowledge and future directions in this important ?eld. Leading basic scientists and clinicians reviewed and discussedseveraltimelytopicswithinthreemainthemes:(1)evolution, development,andregeneration,includingstemcellsinPlanariaandstem cell niches; (2)embryonic and adult stem cells, including adiscussion of the regulatory system in Japan for human embryonic stem cells; and (3) regeneration in speci?c indications including a discussion of the role of stem cells in organs such as the skin, brain, liver, pancreas, cornea,andthecardiovascularsystem.Inaddition,theroleofstemcells in glioblastoma was presented along with the implications for other tumors.

The book shows how the various paradigms of computational intelligence, employed either singly or in combination, can produce an effective structure for obtaining often vital information from ECG signals. The text is self-contained, addressing concepts, methodology, algorithms, and case studies and applications, providing the reader with the necessary background augmented with step-by-step explanation of the more advanced concepts. It is structured in three parts: Part I covers the fundamental ideas of computational intelligence together with the relevant principles of data acquisition, morphology and use in diagnosis; Part II deals with techniques and models of computational intelligence that are suitable for signal processing; and Part III details ECG system-diagnostic interpretation and knowledge acquisition architectures. Illustrative material includes: brief numerical experiments; detailed schemes, exercises and more advanced problems.

Until recently, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been considered a systemic endocrine hormonal system exclusively. It is now known that each component of the renin-angiotensin system is produced, synthesized and indeed, present in many organisms including the heart and vessels. This volume presents the most recent clinical and laboratory experiences of the leading physicians and investigators in the field of the local cardiac renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. Cardiovascular, renal and hypertension oriented physicians, investigators and scientists would find this book of interest. Edward D. Frohlich, M.D., M.A.C.P, F.A.C.C., is the Alton Ochsner Distinguished Scientist at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also Professor of Medicine and of Physiology at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. He is past Editor-in-Chief of the American Heart Association journal HYPERTENSION. Richard N. Re, M.D., is the Section Head, Hypertension at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also Ochsner's Scientific Director of Research.