A basic understanding of cardiovascular physiology is essential for optimal patient care. This practical book provides a concise tutorial of all the essential aspects of cardiovascular hemodynamics and the techniques used to assess cardiovascular performance. A high-yield reference, this book is replete with figures, tracings, tables, and clinical pearls that reinforce the basic tenets of hemodynamics. From identifying key findings of the patient history and physical exam to correlating hemodynamic tracings with acute clinical presentations, this book arms the reader with the tools necessary to handle any hemodynamic-related situation.

The idea of heaven and hell is one of the oldest and most widespread religious beliefs of human civilization. In the history of western literature, this spiritual concept was frequently embedded in stories of underworld and heavenly journeys. A variety of topics related to the nature of the universe, life on earth and the existence of the gods are explored in these stories. In the ancient western world, otherworldly journey narratives appeared in a wide variety of literary contexts including mythology, poetry and philosophical writings. Later in medieval times, otherworldly journey narratives remained a popular form of literary expression. By focusing upon the "sacred cosmos", the content of these stories is primarily religious in nature. Rather than discussing mundane existence on earth, these tales describe a fantastic world filled with supernatural beings and miraculous happenings. Journeys to the Underworld and Heavenly Realm in Ancient and Early Medieval Literature examines these fascinating tales of wonder as they appear in the literature of the ancient west and early medieval Europe.