Bővebb ismertető
Preface
The purpose of this volume is to present the recent advances and current status of modern knowledge concerning the broad subject of the common denominator of cardiovascular medicine Itself: Congestive Heart Failure. To most effectively accomplish these objectives, this monograph is organized within the three principal areas of relevant understanding necessary for improved clinical management of this condition: (1) Mechanisms, (2) Evaluation and (3) Treatment of congestive heart failure. While each of the twenty-three chapters comprising this textbook, with hundreds of illustrations and references, provides Independent coverage of a specific topic, the chapters are carefully integrated in a synthesized manner to sequentially build upon a purposefully developed body of crucial information to afford a comprehensive overview and appreciation of this multifaceted subject without unnecessary repetition. It should be pointed out that the stimulus for this book was an outgrowth of the eleven articles constituting a recent special Issue of The American Journal of Cardiology. Where necessary, certain of these original articles have been revised and up-dated. Importantly, the majority of the present volume consists of new material, twelve new chapters in all, with the idea of extending the original symposium on basic research in congestive heart failure to a wide clinically oriented audience of professionals in medicine, including medical students, physlcians-ln-training, generalists, Internists and cardiologists, as well as postgraduate students in the medical sciences and academic basic and clinical investigators.
Emphasis Is placed on the elucidation of Important concepts and principles of congestive heart failure so that the clinician can approach a particular aspect of the problem logically and, as desired and motivated, may further proceed expeditiously Into even greater detail of the matter of Interest. In addition, a vigorous effort has been made to select major topics written by Investigators well recognized In the field to provide an authorative volume on congestive heart failure. To the fifty-six contributing authors who readily agreed to construct this comprehensive sourcebook, I am deeply grateful for their superb contributions. In effect, this volume represents a textbook of modern cardiology, with congestive heart failure serving as the focal point. In summary, the Intent of this volume Is to present an overall survey of recent basic and clinical progress In contemporary knowledge of congestive heart failure important In the advancement of patient care.
Dean T. Mason, MD, FACC