Andrus / Baldwin Valvular Heart Disease

Erscheinungsjahr 2006
ISBN: 978-1-84076-509-0
Verlag: Manson Publishing
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 176 Seiten

The study of valvular heart disease has progressed rapidly over the past two decades. The understanding of etiology and natural history, the precision of noninvasive assessment, and the surgical and interventional management of valve disease have all improved dramatically. Coupled with an appreciation of physiologic principles, thoughtful interviews and physical exam, current technology allows clinicians to characterize all types of valve lesion. In addition, evolving techniques in interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery, guided by quantitative outcome analysis, have reduced the morbidity and mortality of these procedures.

Reflecting all the above and evidence-based medical practice, the authors aim to provide a concise and straightforward guide to the recognition and management of valvular heart disease, complemented by current guidelines and abundant high quality images. It will be a valuable reference for all involved in the care of patients with valvular heart disease, including cardiologists in practice and training, young hospital doctors, general physicians, cardiac nurse specialists, and medical students.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Andrus, Bruce W.

Andrus, Bruce

Baldwin, John C.

Baldwin, John

Leseproben

The study of valvular heart disease has progressed
rapidly over the past two decades. The under -
standing of etiology and natural history, the
precision of noninvasive assessment, and the surgical
and interventional management of valve disease have
all improved dramatically. Coupled with an
appreciation of physiologic principles, thoughtful
interviews and physical exam, current technology
allows clinicians to characterize valve lesions fully. In
addition, evolving techniques in interventional
cardiology and cardiac surgery, guided by
quantitative outcome analysis, have reduced the
morbidity and mortality of these procedures.
Throughout this handbook, we have endeavored to
incorporate these developments.
Since the clinician’s work generally begins with a
patient’s complaint, we have devoted most of the first
chapter to the evaluation of symptoms commonly
voiced by those with valvular heart disease. The
second chapter focuses on the evaluation of
murmurs, an important topic, since their recognition
is critical to diagnosing asymptomatic valvular heart
disease before irreversible myocardial damage
occurs. The middle chapters provide a structured
summary of the current understanding of the
etiology, pathophysiology, natural history, clinical
presentation, laboratory features, and medical and
surgical treatment of valve disease. Single valve
lesions are followed by mixed valve disease and an
additional chapter on multiple valve disease. The
final chapters address special topics in valvular heart
disease which are not covered in a valve-by-valve
approach. These include infective endocarditis, drugrelated
valvulopathy, pregnancy, special concerns in
the elderly, valve prostheses, and improvement
efforts in valvular heart disease.
In the interest of evidence-based medical practice
and consistent, rational application of limited
resources, we have extensively cited clinical
guidelines and recommendations from specialty
societies on both sides of the Atlantic.
We expect the succinct and structured text,
complemented by current guidelines and abundant
images, will be a valuable reference for all involved
in the care of patients with valvular heart disease
including medical students, house officers/registrars,
cardiac nurse specialists, generalist physicians, and
cardiologists.
Bruce W. Andrus
John C. Baldwin