Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Heart

This third edition, like its predecessors, provides the foundation of the basic science aspects of cardiac function and dysfunction, and attempts to bridge the gap between basic cardiovascular science and clinical science. As before, the third edition is divided into two major sections, cardiac muscle and coronary circulation. The book is multidisciplinary in approach, and integrates relevant aspects of the factors influencing the function of the heart under normal and several abnormal conditions. It also provides a foundation for understanding the mechanism of action of various types of cardioactive drugs, including antiarrhythmic drugs and positive inotropic agents. This edition has been updated with respect to recent developments in cardiovascular science and includes 14 new chapters. These include two new chapters on the molecular structure of ion channels and several new chapters on the ionic channels of myocardial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Other topics covered include: release of Ca2+ from the SR; and the action of phospholipids released during ischemia on ion channels and production of disrhythmias.