The Cardiovascular System at a Glance

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 

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 β-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