Main description:

This concise and accessible text provides an integrated overview of the cardiovascular system - considering the basic sciences which underpin the system and applying this knowledge to clinical practice and therapeutics. A general introduction to the cardiovascular system is followed by chapters on key topics such as anatomy and histology, blood and body fluids, biochemistry, excitation-contraction coupling, form and function, integration and regulation, pathology and therapeutics, clinical examination and investigation - all supported by clinical cases for self-assessment. Highly visual colour illustrations complement the text and consolidate learning.
The Cardiovascular System at a Glance is the perfect introduction and revision aid to understanding the heart and circulation and now also features: * An additional chapter on pulmonary hypertension * Even more simplified illustrations to aid easier understanding * Reorganized and revised chapters for greater clarity * Brand new and updated clinical case studies illustrating clinical relevance and for self-assessment The fourth edition of The Cardiovascular System at a Glance is an ideal resource for medical students, whilst students of other health professions and specialist cardiology nurses will also find it invaluable. Examination candidates who need an authoritative, concise, and clinically relevant guide to the cardiovascular system will find it extremely useful. A companion website featuring cases from this and previous editions, along with additional summary revision aids, is available at www.ataglanceseries.com/cardiovascular.

Contents:

Preface 6 Recommended reading 6 Acknowledgements 7 List of abbreviations 8 Introduction 1 Overview of the cardiovascular system 10 Anatomy and histology 2 Gross anatomy and histology of the heart 12 3 Vascular anatomy 14 4 Vascular histology and smooth muscle cell ultrastructure 16 Blood and body fluids 5 Constituents of blood 18 6 Erythropoiesis, haemoglobin and anaemia 20 7 Haemostasis 22 8 Thrombosis and anticoagulants 24 9 Blood groups and transfusions 26 Cellular physiology 10 Membrane potential, ion channels and pumps 28 11 Electrophysiology of cardiac muscle and origin of the heart beat 30 12 Cardiac muscle excitation contraction coupling 32 13 Electrical conduction system in the heart 34 14 The electrocardiogram 36 15 Vascular smooth muscle excitation contraction coupling 38 Form and function 16 Cardiac cycle 40 17 Control of cardiac output 42 18 Haemodynamics 44 19 Blood pressure and flow in the arteries and arterioles 46 20 The microcirculation and lymphatic system, and diapedesis 48 21 Fluid filtration in the microcirculation 50 22 The venous system 52 23 Local control of blood flow 54 24 Regulation of the vasculature by the endothelium 56 25 The coronary, cutaneous and cerebral circulations 58 26 The pulmonary, skeletal muscle and fetal circulations 60 Integration and regulation 27 Cardiovascular refl exes 62 28 Autonomic control of the cardiovascular system 64 29 The control of blood volume 66 30 Cardiovascular effects of exercise 68 31 Shock and haemorrhage 70 History, examination and investigations 32 History and examination of the cardiovascular system 72 33 Cardiovascular investigations 74 Pathology and therapeutics 34 Risk factors for cardiovascular disease 76 35 -Blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and Ca2+ channel blockers 78 36 Hyperlipidaemias 80 37 Atherosclerosis 82 38 Treatment of hypertension 84 39 Mechanisms of primary hypertension 86 40 Stable and variant angina 88 41 Pharmacological management of stable and variant angina 90 42 Acute coronary syndromes: Unstable angina and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction 92 43 Revascularization 94 44 Pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction 96 45 Acute coronary syndromes: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction 98 46 Heart failure 100 47 Treatment of chronic heart failure 102 48 Mechanisms of arrhythmia 104 49 Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias 106 50 Ventricular tachyarrhythmias and non-pharmacological treatment of arrhythmias 108 51 Pharmacological treatment of arrhythmias 110 52 Pulmonary hypertension 112 53 Diseases of the aortic valve 114 54 Diseases of the mitral valve 116 55 Genetic and congenital heart disease 118 Self-assessment Case studies and questions 120 Case studies answers 123 Index 126 A companion website is available for this book at: www.ataglanceseries.com/cardiovascular