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. This Fifth Edition is an ideal resource for medical students, whilst students of other health professions and specialist cardiology nurses will also find it invaluable.
Table of contents
Preface 6
Recommended reading 6
Acknowledgements 7
List of abbreviations 8
About the companion website
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 reflexes 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 β-Blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and Ca2+ channel blockers 78
36 Hyperlipidaemias 80
37 Atherosclerosis 82
38 Mechanisms of primary hypertension 84
39 Treatment of hypertension 86
40 Stable, microvascular, and vasospastic angina 88
41 Pharmacological management of stable, microvascular and vasospastic angina 90
42 Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) 92
43 Coronary revascularization 94
44 Pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction 96
45 ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 98
46 Heart failure 100
47 Treatment of chronic heart failure 102
48 Mechanisms of tachyarrhythmia 104
49 Atrial fibrillation 106
50 Other supraventricular tachyarrhythmias 108
51 Ventricular tachyarrhythmias and their non-pharmacological treatment 110
52 Pharmacological treatment of tachyarrhythmia 112
53 Conduction system abnormalities and pacing 114
54 Diseases of the aortic valve 116
55 Diseases of the mitral valve 118
56 Congenital heart disease 120
57 Myopathies and Channelopathies 122
58 Pulmonary hypertension 124
59 Stroke 126
Index 128
