Heart Failure

Much of this text results from improved therapy for coronary artery disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, for which the age adjusted mortality has declined by some 30% in the past 10 years. Accordingly, there has been increasing attention paid to congestive heart failure and there has been interest in developing new therapeutic approaches and modalities. The increasing interest in congestive heart failure has brought us an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of the condition, which, in turn, has permitted a more rational application of therapy. This monograph is designed to provide comprehensive information regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure. It is hoped that this book will be valuable to primary care physicians, as well as cardiologists. The sections of the book dealing with treatment are designed to provide up-to-date information about the application and appropriate use of established and emerging therapies. This book should be of interest to cardiologists and primary care physicians.