ics, beta-adrenoreceptor blockers, vasodilatory drugs,
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, venous and arteri-
Molecular Biology of the CardiovascularSystem
Edited by Shu Chien
Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia (1990)
263 pages, illustrated, $39.50
ISBN: 0-8121-1 31 2-8
Molecular biology has expanded our understanding of nor-
mal and abnormal function to an immense degree and this
information has exploded over the past decade. The present
volume presents the molecular genetics currently being used to
sludy the cardiovascular system with a number of very good
examples of their specific applications. Dr. Chien provides an
excellent introduction to the general methods being utilized in
a fashion readily understandable by the interested cardiologist.
Subsequent chapters have been written by recognized experts
in the field and deal with several of the current issues of car-
diovascular growth and control mechanisms. These chapters
are quite comprehensive with excellent referencing. The book
should be of special interest to the cardiologist who has little
interest or experience in the field of molecular biology per se,
but seeks to expand this base of knowledge to provide a basis
for understanding if not for direct work in the field. Everything
cannot be covered in one book and there are certain topics that
have been omitted. Membrane channels and G-proteins would
deserve specific attention in an expanded volume. Indeed, in
order to be comprehensive, these specific fields would need
to be covered. Aside from these specific areas, the general pre-
sentation is excellent and quite complete. We would recom-
mend it highly to cardiologists with an interest in developing a
background in molecular biology as it pertains to the cardio-
vascular system.
Leslie Leinwand
Edmund H. Sonnenblick
Bronx, New York
CardiovascularDrug Therapy
Edited by Franz H. Messerli
W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia (1990)
308 pages, illustrated, $84.00
ISBN: 0-7216-2409-X
This is a superb book. Dr. Messerli has brought together
an outstanding group of contributors and has designed a book
that provides outstanding overviews of current concepts in
the therapy of various major categories of cardiovascular dis-
orders in addition to chapters that provide in-depth reviews
of individual drugs used in cardiology. There are excellent
chapters dealing with drug treatment of cardiovascular emer-
gencies and with drug therapy in special groups of patients,
such as the elderly, patients with organ failure, and pregnant
or black patients. The many chapters dealing with individual
drugs discuss not only the currently available drugs, but also
investigational drugs and drugs likely to be available in the
near future. Topics covered in major sections include diuret-
al or vasodilators, calcium-channel blockers, serotonin antag-
onists, positive inotropic agents, antiarrhythmic drugs and
anti-thrombotic drugs. There are several very valuable chap-
ters on combination drug therapy, including combination ther-
apy in angina pectoris, hypertension, congestive heart failure,
cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, postural hypo-
tension, and vaso-occlusive disease. The final chapter deals
with cardiovascular drug interactions. One major class of car-
diovascular drugs not included in the present volume is the
lipid lowering drugs. Hopefully, this deficit will be corrected
in the next edition.
This book will be of great use to practicing cardiologists
and cardiovascular surgeons, cardiology fellows, medical res-
idents, and medical students wanting a more complete review
of a subject or an individual drug or family of drugs. Most of
the 127 chapters have references up to 1987 and a few include
some 1988 references. The 1709 pages include nurnerous
excellent tables and figures which contribute significantly t o
the usefulness of the volume.
Overall, this fine volume is highly recommended.
Robert C. Schlant
Atlanta, Georgia
Pearls & Pitfalls in Electrocardiography:Pithy,
Practical Pointers
By Henry J. L. Marriot
Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia (1990)
I58 pages, illustrated, $17.50
ISBN: 9-8 121- 1334-9
A vast number of electrocardiographic textbooks is avail-
able today. Anyone interested in obtaining a detailed knowl-
edge of electrocardiographic problems must look for thi4
information in the most detailed textbooks. Some everyday
electrocardiographic problems, sometimes of a subtle nature,
are, however, not always easy to identify in even the most
detailed textbooks. In Pearls & Pitfalls in Electrocardio-
graphy, Henry .I. L. Marriot presents a number of electrocar-
diographic problems in an unusual way: some of these are
everyday problems; others are extremely rare. Altogether, the
author presents 70 different problems in a book of 160 page$.
The experienced electrocardiologist should be able to solve
most of these, provided a careful analysis of the electrocar-
diogram is made. Sometimes, philosophical deduction of the
main clues may contribute to a correct conclusion. The
authors extensive electrocardiographic knowledge and expe-
rience is well illustrated in the penetrating discussions of the
individual recordings. That this is an unusual type of electro-
cardiographic textbook is also reflected by untraditional ref-
erences. The kind of detective work necessary to reach a prop-
er diagnosis is illustrated by repeated references to the
Sherlock Holmes literature.
This book is not recommended to those beginning the study
of electrocardiology.However, provided the reader has a firm
basic knowledge of electrocardiology, the book not only has
major entertainment value but also gives important informa-
tion of the kind that is often obtained by trial and error. It