This book provides an introduction to the principles of both cardiovascular epidemiology and molecular pathophysiology; as a unique aspect, it also outlines and discusses the molecular concepts underlying epidemiological observations. This first volume is focused on the genetic and molecular basis of pathogenesis and the role of environmental factors triggering cardiovascular dysfunctions. The book promotes the use of interdisciplinary approaches in the field of preventive medicine based on recent advances in molecular and cellular pathophysiology. The book offers a valuable resourcefor researchers in basic biomedical fields and clinical scientists alike, as well as guidelines for novel avenues of research in both basic pathophysiology and cardiovascular therapy and prevention."

The hemostasis laboratory has a vital role in the diagnosis and management of patients with familial and acquired haemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders. Its role in the monitoring of traditional anticoagulant therapy, as well as therapy using new anticoagulants, presents new challenges to the laboratory. This new edition addresses these important issues, as well as international guidelines for testing, the development of international standard materials, management of haemostasis testing from the laboratory to the point-of-care, and molecular genetic testing.

Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Imaging: Physics and Technology explains the underlying physical and technical principles behind a range of cardiovascular and neurovascular imaging modalities, including radiography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Examining this interdisciplinary branch of medical imaging from academic, clinical, and industrial perspectives, this comprehensive book: Covers each major imaging modality as well as special applications, time-resolved techniques, and image-guided therapies Discusses image quality and accuracy, radiation safety and dosimetry, and image formation and analysis Explores current and future trends in vascular imaging procedures and technologies Featuring chapters authored by field experts, Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Imaging: Physics and Technology combines the latest information on the physics and technology of cardiovascular and neurovascular imaging under one cover, providing students, professionals, and researchers with a single, state-of-the-art reference.

The ECG in Emergency Decision Making, second edition, explains and illustrates the importance of 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) in making rapid and informed decisions in cardiac care. It covers the logical steps to the ECG recognition of the underlying mechanism of cardiac emergencies, their prognostic significance, and the best treatment. AHA treatment guidelines are presented, aspects of differential diagnosis are explained, and perforated decision-making cards are included. Summary boxes at the beginning of chapters give a step-by-step guide of emergency approaches Clear, consistent writing and organization Reflects the latest American Heart Association guidelines Perforated decision making cards at the end of the book (various emergency situations) can be used for quick access in the clinical setting Established, well-respected authors provide cutting-edge info that practitioners can trust Reviewed by a consulting board of nationally recognized experts in the specialty area of ECG Information on using the ST deviation vector in acute myocardial infarction to localize the site of occlusion in the coronary artery and thereby the site and size of the area at risk. How to risk stratify and treat patients with acute coronary syndromes showing ST segment depression. Noninvasive measures to determine the site of atrioventricular block. A guide to prehospital screening for patients with chest pain. The ECG features of myocardial infarction in patients with an acute myocardial infarction AND a left bundle branch block. New information on monogenic diseases leading to cardiac arrhythmias. Perforated decision-making cards for quick access in the emergency setting.

This book provides a balanced presentation of the fundamental principles of cardiovascular biomechanics research, as well as its valuable clinical applications. Pursuing an integrated approach at the interface of the life sciences, physics and engineering, it also includes extensive images to explain the concepts discussed. With a focus on explaining the underlying principles, this book examines the physiology and mechanics of circulation, mechanobiology and the biomechanics of different components of the cardiovascular system, in-vivo techniques, in-vitro techniques, and the medical applications of this research. Written for undergraduate and postgraduate students and including sample problems at the end of each chapter, this interdisciplinary text provides an essential introduction to the topic. It is also an ideal reference text for researchers and clinical practitioners, and will benefit a wide range of students and researchers including engineers, physicists, biologists and clinicians who are interested in the area of cardiovascular biomechanics.

The Effects of Hypertension chart takes a look at the potential problems associated with high blood pressure. Topics that are covered by graphics and text include damage to the heart, eyes, brain, kidneys and blood vessels, as well as the progression of plaque build-up. Heavy cover stock with protective varnish for durability.

Before Michael I. Handel died his colleagues and students compiled this collection of essays that were written for a conference on strategy held during 2001. The papers address Churchill's views and ideas on war, strategy and realpolitik.

There are many modalities available to image the heart and this variety and number of scan types can prove to be daunting to radiologists and cardiologists. In addition, there are the numerous devices, stents, valves and other paraphernalia which are employed in the management of cardiac disease, which need to be recognised and identified when interpreting any of these various scans. Containing 75 challenging clinical cases and illustrated with superb, high quality images, Cardiac Imaging covers a wide range of cardiac imaging problems from basic radiographic cases to more challenging and esoteric cases involving echocardiography, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT and myocardial perfusion imaging. The book uses an accessible format for quick assimilation. It remains an invaluable text for all radiology and cardiology professionals in practice and in training, from hospital-based doctors preparing for higher examinations to established physicians in their continuing professional development.

Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the leading causes of death. The risk of rupture has been a controversial topic for years and only recently have population-based studies provided better evidence for clinical management.

This book includes material by an internationally renowned group of authorities directed by a prominent vascular surgeon at Mayo Clinic. The contents represent a well-balanced clinical endovascular approach to the exciting area of vascular medicine and surgery.

"We are living in a period of exciting transformation. The message for anyone interested in the treatment of vascular disease is to embrace the new endovascular techniques -- learn them and improve them. This is the beginning of a new era." A. G. Hakaim

Manual of Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions: A Step-by-Step Approach, Second Edition, is an easy to read reference for coronary chronic total occlusion interventions (CTO). Written by recognized national and international experts in the field, this reference compiles the steps necessary to preform, what pitfalls to watch out for, and troubleshooting tactics necessary for coronary chronic total occlusion interventions (CTO). This second edition is updated with new developments in the field. The 2nd edition covers techniques like the Carlino technique, "scratch and go", "BASE", double-blind stick and swap, and subintimal crush, along with tips about how to use the latest complex PCI equipment. It also covers recently published trials, CTO scores and hybrid series. Written to bring a practical and easy to read approach, this book is perfect for interventional cardiologists, interventional and general cardiology fellows, cardiology researchers, physicians, cardiac catheterization laboratory personnel, technical staff,industry professionals and everyone else interested in understanding the cutting edge and rapidly evolving field of coronary CTO interventions.

For hundreds of years cannabis has been used as a therapeutic medicine around the world. Cannabis was an accepted medicine during the second half of the 19th century, but its use declined because single agent pain medications were advocated by physicians who demanded standardization of medicines. It was not until 1964 when the chemical structure of THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) was elucidated and its pharmacological effects began to be understood. Numerous therapeutic effects of cannabis have been reviewed, but cannabis-based medicines are still an enigma because of legal issues. Many patients could benefit from cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids found in Cannabis sativa L. These patients suffer from medical conditions including chronic pain, chronic inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, and other debilitating illnesses. As more states are legalizing medical cannabis, prescribers need a reliable source which provides clinical information in a succinct format. This book focuses on the science of cannabis as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement. It discusses cannabis uses in the human body for bone health/osteoporosis; brain injury and trauma; cancer; diabetes; gastrointestinal conditions; mental health disorders; insomnia; pain; anxiety disorders; depression; migraines; eye disorders; and arthritis and inflammation. There is emphasis on using the whole plant - from root to raw leaves and flowers discussing strains, extraction and analysis, and use of cannabis-infused edibles. Features: Provides an understanding of the botanical and biochemistry behind cannabis as well as its use as a dietary supplement. Discusses endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors. Includes information on antioxidant benefits, pain receptors using cannabinoids, and dosage guidelines. Presents research on cannabis treatment plans, drug-cannabis interactions and dosing issues, cannabis vapes, edibles, creams, and suppositories. Multiple appendices including a glossary of cannabis vocabulary, how to use cannabis products, a patient guide and recipes as well as information on cannabis for pets.

The refined pathophysiologal understanding of the heart failure syndrome together with the surge of new technological advances led to innovative medical and interventional treatment strategies improving the outcome of heart failure patients. However the complex interplay between the clinical presentation and the array of the interventions requires a coordinated multidisciplinary heart team approach involving various specialists in the cardiovascular field including clinicians, interventionalists, surgeons and cardiac intensivists. In this book, opinion leaders will review of state-of-the-art management of heart failure with particular emphasis on burning clinical questions and challenges faced by the heart team. New medical and interventional therapies for chronic and acute heart failure are addressed by bridging bench to bedside translation in science and technology into practical clinical application and guidance.

The second edition of the book has been revised and updated by experts in the field to incorporate recent advances and will likely remain the largest and most comprehensive text on echocardiography to date with 2,230 pages, 4,361 illustrations and 1,860 video clips. This book is probably the largest book on echocardiography till date. Covers all aspects of echocardiography and cardiovascular ultrasound in a comprehensive manner. Written by over 150 internationally renowned experts in the field of echocardiography from all over the world. Supplemented by a huge number of illustrations and video clips. Written in clear, coherent and easy-to-grasp language.

Resuscitation is a two-stage process comprising the achievement/maintenance of spontaneous circulation and post- resuscitation management. The approach is complex and multifaceted and entails the integration of new physiological insights, pharmacological options, and technological advances. The purpose of this volume, written by top experts in the field, is to promote, share, and disseminate new advances in resuscitation and post- resuscitation care. The issues addressed are wide ranging and of great topical interest or controversy. They include priorities of intervention, quality of resuscitation, use of mechanical supports, new defibrillation strategies, prevention of organ damage, strategies in cases of sudden cardiac death, new pharmacological treatments, and post-resuscitation care, including temperature management and prediction and improvement of outcome after cardiac arrest. Particular attention is devoted to up-to-date evidence from the most recent experimental and clinical trials on resuscitation science and to gold standard evidence-based resuscitation and post-resuscitation treatments and interventions. In addition, organizational models and integrated care systems for trauma are considered, and critical care education and the process of guideline development are reviewed.

Stem Cells and Myocardial Regeneration is a comprehensive bench to bedside examination of stem cell-based therapies for cardiac dysfunction. The contributors, all leading researchers in their area of expertise, explore recent advances in the laboratory and in clinical trials. This volume emphasizes the near epidemic status of chronic heart failure (CHF) in the United States and abroad, and evaluates the level of success and failure of current optimal medical therapy. Specific attention is also given to both the basic cell types and pathways involved in cardiac stem cell research and the clinical issues that surround it.
Parts I and II of Stem Cells and Myocardial Regeneration examine various cardiac stem cell types, including hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and endogenous cells and critical physiological pathways, including chemokines, stem cell differentiation, and arrhythmia mechanisms. Part III focuses on clinical issues intrinsic to delivery of stem cells to the heart at the time of myocardial infarction (MI) and in patients with CHF. Part IV contains up-to-date reviews and analyses of the findings of stem cell-based clinical trials of acute MI and CHF. The concluding section presents a summary of cardiac stem cell research and outlines potential obstacles to future study.

With cardiovascular disease remaining one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, there is a great need to further understand the molecular basis of this disease class and develop new therapeutic or preventative measures. Cardiovascular Diseases: Nutritional and Therapeutic Interventions presents up-to-date information on the pathobiology of cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing emerging therapeutics and nutritional interventions. The book is divided into four parts: epidemiology, epigenetics, pathobiology, and therapies for cardiovascular diseases. Part I details epidemiological studies, highlighting the extent of the clinical problem. Part II describes the genetic and, primarily, epigenetic modifications associated with cardiovascular disease, including the importance of DNA methylation status and the possibility of early intervention using simple dietary modifications. The text also discusses histone modifications associated with disease and potential therapeutic synthetic and dietary compounds such as resveratrol and garlic. Covering the etiology and pathobiology, part III discusses lipid regulation, micro-RNAs, emerging cell-based therapies, and new receptor targets for therapeutics as well as targeted imaging. It also describes the link between cancer therapies and cardiomyopathy and the potential of vitamin C to ameliorate this effect. Part IV focuses on therapeutic and nutritional interventions, namely, stem cell therapies, emerging nanomedicines, and a wide range of dietary interventions. These include general healthy diets, fruits and vegetables, botanicals, effects of specific compounds such as antioxidants, and discussions on garlic, curcumin, and resveratrol. The text also covers lifestyle factors, emphasizing the importance of stress in the occurrence of and meditation and yoga in the management of cardiovascular disease. This book provides a comprehensive reference for clinicians and scientists, combining epidemiology, prevention, and modern treatment strategies.

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.

Open a Window into the Autonomic Nervous System Quantifying the amount of autonomic nervous system activity in an individual patient can be extremely important, because it provides a gauge of disease severity in a large number of diseases. Heart rate variability (HRV) calculated from both short-term and longer-term electrocardiograms is an ideal window into such autonomic activity for two reasons: one, heart rate is sensitive to autonomic activity in the entire body, and two, recording electrocardiograms is inexpensive and non-invasive unlike other techniques currently available for autonomic assessment, such as microneurography and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Signal Analysis: Clinical Applications provides a comprehensive review of three major aspects of HRV: mechanism, technique, and clinical applications. Learn Techniques for HRV Signal Analysis Edited by an engineer, a cardiologist, and a neurologist, and featuring contributions by widely published international researchers, this interdisciplinary book begins by reviewing the many signal processing techniques developed to extract autonomic activity information embedded in heart-rate records. The classical time and frequency domain measures, baroreceptor sensitivity, and newer non-linear measures of HRV are described with a fair amount of mathematical detail with the biomedical engineer and mathematically oriented physician in mind. The book also covers two recent HRV methods, heart-rate turbulence and phase-rectified signal averaging. Use of HRV in Clinical Care The large clinical section is a must-read for clinicians and engineers wishing to get an insight into how HRV is applied in medicine. Nineteen chapters altogether are devoted to uses of HRV in: Monitoring-for example to predict potential complications in pregnancies, fetal distress, and in neonatal critical care Acute care-for gauging the depth of anesthesia during surgery and predicting change in patient status in the intensive care unit Chronic disorders-for assessing the severity of congestive heart failure, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and depression Bringing together the latest research, this comprehensive reference demonstrates the utility and potential of HRV signal analysis in both the clinic and physiology laboratory.

This unique book provides clinicians and administrators with a comprehensive understanding of perioperative hemodynamic monitoring and goal directed therapy, emphasizing practical guidance for implementation at the bedside. Successful hemodynamic monitoring and goal directed therapy require a wide range of skills. This book will enable readers to: * Detail the rationale for using perioperative hemodynamic monitoring systems and for applying goal directed therapy protocols at the bedside * Understand the physiological concepts underlying perioperative goal directed therapy for hemodynamic management * Evaluate hemodynamic monitoring systems in clinical practice * Learn about new techniques for achieving goal directed therapy * Apply goal directed therapy protocols in the perioperative environment (including emergency departments, operating rooms and intensive care units) * Demonstrate clinical utility of GDT and hemodynamic optimization using case presentations. Illustrated with diagrams and case examples, this is an important resource for anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, intensivists and pneumonologists as well as nurses and administrative officers.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) affects millions of patients worldwide. It is a progressive condition that can worsen when left untreated, possibly leading to compensatory remodeling of the left ventricle. This can result in reduced functional capacity, poor quality of life, repeat hospitalizations, and even death from heart failure. Open, arrested heart surgery has until now been the therapeutic treatment of choice. However, many high-risk patients cannot tolerate traditional heart surgery and continue to suffer from severe MR. In Percutaneous Mitral Leaflet Repair: MitraClip Therapy for Mitral Regurgitation, international experts discuss the clinical application of percutaneous mitral valve therapies for this subsect of patients, focusing on the MitraClip device. These new therapeutic developments will form an essential component of the interventional cardiologists' armamentarium in treating MR patients and will be of interest to every practicing cardiologist. Key topics include: An overview of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the mitral valvular complex and MR EVEREST trial outcomes, and the development of percutaneous edge-to-edge repair Updates on the global experience with this new therapy Patient selection and the role of percutaneous therapies for high-risk patients Echocardiographic guidance, including practical tips for the use of transesophageal echocardiography during a procedure Step-by-step techniques, plus tips and tricks for getting the best results for your patients Special considerations for treating the returning MR repair patient Discussion of the European experience since CE approval Future directions in percutaneous mitral valve therapies

Coronary Atherosclerosis: Current Management and Treatment addresses the leading cause of death worldwide - coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis has a broad range of disease manifestations depending on the degree of the stenosis, and the functional status of the coronary plaque and is a disease cardiologists manage every day. Prevalence of coronary artery disease is increasing as a greater number of people live longer and rising rates of obesity contribute to poor health.

This brand new title, written by a leading international team of Editors, addresses the pathophysiology of disease, established and novel diagnostic approaches (both invasive and non-invasive), treatment methodologies (including treatment algorithms), and differing perspectives on treatment including future therapies and long term outcomes. It includes every aspect of coronary artery disease and highlights the optimal treatment for different clinical scenarios. The inclusion of personal perspectives from key opinion leaders, full color images and ancillary video files make this a key resource.

Key topics include:

• Pharmacology of coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Up-to-date evidence on pathophysiology
• Non-invasive imaging
• Current evidence for risk stratification
• Invasive imaging/cutting edge technology
• Clinical decision making from masters in the field

Coronary Atherosclerosis: Current Management and Treatment provides a state of the art review of current knowledge to aid specialists, general physicians, and cardiologists in training, in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of patients with diverse presentations of coronary atherosclerosis.

Thistext, as the tide states, is acompilationofpapersdevoted to the studyofath erosclerosis, hypertensionanddiabetes.Thesethree distinctdisease entities, although not entirely unrelated, are three ofthe most important disease conditions in the world today.As such, this volumeofresearch papers isofobvious medical impor tance.Thejustificationofthe energy, time and financial resources directed towards the studyofeachofthese three diseases requiressome discussion. The majority of papers amongst the three diseases that are discussed in this volume are dedicated to the studyofatherosclerosis.This is not by accident.Car diovasculardisease isthenumberonekillertodayintheworld. IntheUnitedStates almost61 millionAmericanshaveoneormoreformsofcardiovasculardisease.These diseases claimed nearly 1million lives in 1998 alone.Although approximately 80% ofthosewho dieofcardiovasculardisease are 65 yearsofageorolder, asignificant numberofpeople are killed by cardiovascular disease below the ageof65.Ather osclerotic heart disease in the eoronary vaseulature eausedapproximately million deaths in the United States in 1998.At least 12,400,000people are alive todayin the United States with a historyofmyocardial infarctions or ehest pain or both. Clearly, atherosclerotie disease inthe heart isamajormedicalproblem.This disease affeetsbothmenandwomen.Althoughmen are more likelyto experienee aheart attaekand are atgreater risk for eardiovaseular disease, more then ofthe people alive today with a historyofheart attacks or angina are females. As weIl, women whodo havemyoeardialinfarctionsare twice aslikely to diefromtheeventwithin afew weeks.Atheroscleroticvasculardisease isnotlimitedtojustthe heart.Anath erosclerotic ischemic event is the primary causeofstroke today.Although it isnot weIl appreciated, stroke is the number 3 killer inAmerica today and the leading causeofdebilitatingneurological damage.Atherosclerotic vascular disease therefore, has acostintermsofhuman life, qualityoflifeandfinancialburden today thatno otherdisease canmatch.Theseriousnessofthis medicalproblemdemands research attention."

This text provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of catheter based approaches to valve and aortic diseases. The scope encompasses involve all the current and upcoming transcatheter aortic valve technologies as well as mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valve technologies. Aortic diseases including transcatheter repair of descending aneurysms are included and the upcoming technologies designed to repair aortic dissections, traumatic injury, and ascending arch stent repair are highlighted. Catheter Based Valve and Aortic Surgery will be a useful tool for cardiac and vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, general cardiologists, and clinicians and researchers with an interest in these exciting new developments in structural heart and vascular diseases.

Venous Thromboembolic Disease, the second volume in the Contemporary Endovascular Management book series, continues the current, succinct review of the rapidly evolving field of venous disease presented in Chronic Venous Insufficiency (volume 1). In recognition of the significant effects of venous disease on patients and the quickly changing modes of therapy in the field, this volume further fulfills the need for a comprehensive assessment of the treatment paradigms and innovative techniques now available. Volume 2 examines deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thoracic outlet syndrome, and central venous disease from initial presentation through imaging and diagnosis to general and advanced therapies. As leaders in their field, the authors of Venous Thromboembolic Disease focus their contributions on current and relevant research and facts, specifically aiming to close knowledge gaps as well as to provide essential information for the practicing physician, the trainee, and the midlevel provider. Series Description: The Contemporary Endovascular Management series is designed to be a focused, relevant, and timely review of the modern aspects of imaging and intervention in specific vascular beds. Each volume in the series addresses one vascular bed and equips readers with the current information necessary for vascular practice using a clear and easy-to-access format.