Book Review

Recent Advances in Cardiology

Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

N Engl J Med 1994; 331:1387November 17, 1994

Article

Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Edited by Bramah N. Singh, Victor J. Dzau, Paul M. Vanhoutte, and Raymond L. Woosley. 1231 pp. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1994. $149.95. ISBN: 0-443-8814-4

Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics is a clinically pertinent, well-coordinated, and comprehensive reference work for any current library in cardiology.

The editors have directed their attention to fundamental concepts of cardiovascular drugs and the treatment of the major cardiovascular disorders encountered today, most notably myocardial ischemia and infarction; problems of thrombosis and thromboembolism; disorders of cardiac rhythm; cardiac risks, including dyslipidemias and hypertension and heart failure; and cardiac transplantation.

The authors, internationally recognized experts, both provide background information and assess the direction of current and future research. Discussions of the antiischemic action of beta-blockers, nitrates, and calcium-channel blockers are superb. The summary of the role of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors in acute myocardial infarction by Drs. Lamas and Pfeffer is notable. The review of antiarrhythmic-drug trials by Drs. Teo and Yusuf and the discussions of amiodarone and sotalol by Drs. Singh, Sarma, and Antonaccio are well written. In the area of heart failure, Drs. Francis and McDonald describe mechanisms and physiologic disturbances with completeness and ease of understanding. Drs. Dzau and Omoigui present valuable new information and ideas for clinicians in their review of the effects of antihypertensive drugs on atherosclerosis. Dr. Robinson gives a valuable overview of orthostatic hypotension. Other topics, such as the use of cardiovascular drugs in pregnancy, discussed by Drs. Widerhorn and Elkayam, and race-specific effects of cardiovascular pharmacology, discussed by Dr. Gottdiener, are additional highlights.

The depth of discussion generally exceeds that of standard cardiology textbooks. The individual chapters convey information much as do comprehensive periodical reviews, and they contain good bibliographies. The focus is on applications to clinical practice.

This textbook offers the reader a comprehensive review of cardiovascular pharmacology and therapeutics. Its wide audience should include practicing cardiologists interested in the pharmacology and therapeutics of drugs currently in use and specialists interested in specific compounds. This book is an important addition to the wealth of literature on cardiovascular pharmacology.

Robert DiBianco, M.D.
Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park, MD 20912