Preface
The pace of cardiological progress in the 21st century continues to accelerate. Yet the health-care resources of both the developed world and developing world seem to be consumed at an even greater rate by the global pandemic of cardiovascular disease. At the turn of the century the World Health Organisation estimates suggest that 1 person in every 3 died of a cardiovascular cause. Nearly 4 in every 5 of these deaths were in low or middle income countries. By 2010 cardiovascular disease will be the leading cause of death in developing countries. As countries undergo economic transition diseases predominantly found in the developing world such as rheumatic heart disease are merely traded for those of a developed country such as coronary artery disease. Far from being the disease of developed world all those involved in care of the cardiovascular patient must realise that heart disease has no geographic, gender or socio-economic boundaries.In this book we have tried to span the range of cardiovascular disease with an emphasis on all aspects of practical cardiac care ranging from the latest in electrophysiological techniques to the management of rheumatic fever. We have attempted to give as complete coverage as is possible in a book of this size and hope that there is sufficient detail not only for practical day to day advice at the bedside for patients with cardiac problems. This book will appeal to anyone involved in the specialist care of the cardiology patient, whether on the coronary care unit, cardiac catheterisation suite, outpatient clinic or in the accident and emergency rooms in every hospital.
First editions are never perfect and the rapid pace of progress can often overtake the speed of publication. However we have endeavoured to give as contemporary a view as possible of modern cardiological practice, without forgetting the basic facts that we all rely on. As with all books in the Oxford Handbook series we invite you the reader to give your personal feedback and recommendations for future editions.
