Understanding heart disease

"Diseases of the heart are the leading cause of death in the Western world. The spectacular technological and conceptual progress in the field of heart disease has stirred the imagination and interest of the general public, but advances are often announced prematurely and headlines may exaggerate actual achievements." "Heart specialist Arthur Selzer, M.D., presents an authoritative and balanced explanation of the heart, its diseases, and currently available medical technologies in clear language accessible to lay readers. Beginning with a description of the normal heart's structure and function, he then turns to the diagnosis of heart disease, including the use of such diagnostic tools as echocardiography, coronary arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging, CAT scan, and other current tests. He surveys treatments such as diet, exercise, use of drugs, and a variety of interventions, among them heart surgery." "Dr. Selzer goes on to describe specific conditions, including arrhythmias, cardiac emergencies, and congenital heart disease, as well as diseases of the pulmonary circulation and aorta. He concentrates on the three diseases that account for the majority of heart problems: coronary-artery disease, valvular disease, and hypertension. Coronary-artery, or atherosclerosis, is probably the number one health problem in affluent populations, and Dr. Selzer explains its risk factors, the characteristic features of its acute and chronic forms, and preventive, diagnostic, and remedial treatment. He discusses valvular heart disease in light of present surgical techniques, and he examines the causes, the consequences, and the treatment of hypertension. A glossary is provided for the convenience of readers unfamiliar with medical terms." "Understanding Heart Disease is ideal for the non-medical reader confronting heart problems or cardiac emergencies. A well-informed patient can cooperate more successfully with a physician, and Dr. Selzer helps readers to understand heart conditions and the choices that they must make."--Jacket.