Preface

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has been at the forefront of establishing best practice in cardiology, and was the first cardiac professional society to publish a textbook in its field. Since its inception in 2004, The ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine has sold many thousands of copies, and has been translated into a number of different languages, including Polish, Turkish, and Spanish. As the science of medicine moves at a fast pace, especially in cardiovascular medicine, this second edition is a timely reminder for all physicians to remain up-to-date with the latest practice.

The ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, Second Edition follows the cardiology training curriculum of the ESC, and is designed to be used as a text for teaching and a guide for learning. Combining the ESC guidelines, Task Force reports, and Scientific statements, the textbook is sufficiently comprehensive to inform the large majority of clinical practice in cardiovascular medicine, and to serve as the essential training tool for accreditation and re-accreditation in cardiovascular medicine within the European Union and further afield.

This new edition contains seven new chapters: physical examination and history, choice of imaging techniques, the heart and other organs, sports medicine and certification, non-cardiac surgery in cardiac patients, psychological impact of heart disease, and occupational and regulatory aspects of heart disease. We have also combined topics such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, acute coronary syndromes, chronic ischaemic heart disease, and heart failure that were previously covered in two chapters into one chapter. The new edition is larger than the last edition of the book, to incorporate these changes.

As in the previous edition, each chapter begins with a brief summary, and concludes with a ‘Personal perspective’ from the authors which outlines their view as to the ‘state of the art’ and the future of their subject. The contents are listed on the first page of the chapter. Each chapter is designed to provide high level information, the evidence-base from which guidelines have been derived, and, where appropriate, the major guideline recommendations.

The textbook is available both in print and online (http://esctextbook.oxfordonline.com). Purchasers of the print and online bundle can access the online material via the access codes printed at the front of this book. The online version contains all the material from the printed book, as well as extensive reference linking including via PubMed. In appropriate chapters video clips and additional images are also available online.

Purchasers with online access can also take advantage of multiple choice questions which can be used for CME/CPD accreditation, which is provided by the European Board for Accreditation in Cardiology (http://www.ebac-cme.org). Each chapter carries appropriate points of credit.

We could not have developed this textbook without the close cooperation of the Education Committee of the European Society of Cardiology. We would like to express our gratitude to those who only contributed to the first edition for their understanding. We also thank the many authors of this edition who made their contributions within the tight deadlines that were needed. Similarly we are grateful to the staff at Oxford University Press, particularly Tracey Mills, Helen Liepman, Julia Jeans, Mandy Hill, Kelly Hewinson, and Kate Wanwimolruk who worked enthusiastically and uncomplainingly to produce this new edition.

A. John Camm

Thomas F. Lüscher

Patrick W. Serruys