New guide to cardiovascular medicine ‘in a nutshell’ edited by consultant cardiologist

The first comprehensive pocket guide to all aspects of cardiovascular medicine will provide physicians with rapid access to the latest recommendations, according to its editor, a consultant cardiologist at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. 

Professor Thomas F. Lüscher, who is also director of research, education and development at the hospitals, said the Manual of Cardiovascular Medicine, published by Oxford University Press, offers details on all cardiovascular conditions. It features bullet-pointed information, attractive illustrations, and the latest European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the care of all cardiac patients. 

Based on the current levels of evidence for surgery and clinical rounds, this manual is an important tool for those managing patients with cardiovascular problems. The timely manual looks at everything from hypertension, transplantation imaging and intervention to arrhythmias, pills, and devices.

“Cardiovascular medicine has experienced unforeseen developments over the past 50 years, with the introduction of new diagnostics and medication, as well as interventional and surgical procedures and devices to treat patients with cardiac disease,” said Professor Lüscher. 

He said the number of cardiovascular diagnoses and treatment options had expanded hugely, making cardiovascular medicine one of the biggest medical specialties. 

Cardiac patients are among the most common and important patient groups for GPs and physicians; therefore, having a manual that provides easy access to information about the management of such patients is crucial. 

The 416-page manual aims to present essential but user-friendly data required for clinical practice, with procedures, drug use, and guidelines illustrated with algorithms, tables, and figures. 

The book is suitable for everyday use for students, trainees, junior cardiologists, consultants during clinics and rounds, cardiac nurses, and other health professionals.

Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals have merged with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust to form a new Heart, Lung and Critical Care Clinical Group.  Many consultants from across the hospitals have contributed to the manual, with the Trust accounting for eight of its authors.

Professor Brendan Prendergast, a consultant cardiologist at St Thomas’ Hospital, and Professor Lüscher co-authored the chapter on Endocarditis. 

Professor Lüscher also wrote a chapter about acute chest pain and co-authored other chapters exploring global cardiovascular risk, dyslipidemia, and acute chest failure. Dr Shouvik Haldar, a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist, and Dr Antonis Pantazis, a consultant cardiologist, wrote the chapter Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. 

Professor Sabine Ernst, a consultant cardiologist, and Dr Silvia Guarguagli, an Electrophysiology Fellow, co-authored chapters on Atrial Tachycardia including Atrial Flutter, Supraventricular Tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation. 

Professor Nick Cheshire, head of vascular surgery, co-authored the chapter focused on Peripheral Arterial Disease. Dr Allan Davies, who completed subspecialty training in mitral and aortic valve intervention at the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, co-authored the Scores, Classifications and Severity Levels chapter. 

“I’m very proud of the work being done by experts within our hospitals. Their contributions to this first-of-its-kind manual will help clinicians support their patients and manage cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr Richard Grocott-Mason CEO of Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals.

Share