Clinical Strategies in Ischemic Heart Disease: New Concepts and Current Controversies

Abstract

Responding to what they call an explosion of knowledge about ischemic heart disease, the editors of this book have brought together 79 recognized authorities to sort through jumbled heaps of fragmented information. In their preface, the editors point to the introduction of space-age ECG monitors in 1962, which have produced great piles of data, and draw attention to the dramatic spread of new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques throughout the nation as a result of national conferences promoted by the American College of Cardiology. This unprecedented spread of innovation into clinical medicine, they observe, has almost overwhelmed the requisite amount of learning for the professional who is eager to better detect and manage myocardial ischemia, infarction, and dyskinesis. Most recently, the editors continue, coronary bypass surgery has been accepted almost universally for relief of disabling angina, improvement in life-style, and acceleration of rehabilitation. But questions remain as to whether it improves