For many years, there has been a great deal of work done on chronic congestive heart failure while acute heart failure has been considered a difficult to handle and hopeless syndrome. However, in recent years acute heart failure has become a growing area of study and this is the first book to cover extensively the diagnosis and management of this complex condition. The book reflects the considerable amounts of new data reported and many new concepts which have been proposed in the last 3-4 years looking at the epidemiology, diagnostic and treatment of acute heart failure.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a screening tool called the Listing of Impairments to identify claimants who are so severely impaired that they cannot work at all and thus immediately qualify for benefits. In this report, the IOM makes several recommendations for improving SSA's capacity to determine disability benefits more quickly and efficiently using the Listings.

This book systematically focuses on central sleep apneas, analyzing their relationship especially with heart failure and discussing recent research results and emerging treatment strategies based on feedback modulation. The opening chapters present historical background information on Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), clarify terminology, and explain the mechanics and chemistry of respiration. Following a description of the physiology of respiration, the pathophysiology underlying central apneas in different disorders and particularly in heart failure is discussed. The similarities and differences of obstructive and central apneas are then considered. The book looks beyond the concept of sleep apnea to daytime CSR and periodic breathing during effort and contrasts the opposing views of CSR as a compensatory phenomenon or as detrimental to the failing heart. The diagnostic tools currently in use for the detection of CSR are thoroughly reviewed, with guidance on interpretation of findings. The book concludes by describing the various forms of treatment that are available for CSR and by explaining how to select patients for treatment.

Written by internationally renowned leaders in their field and relevant to all practicing clinicians, this textbook comprehensively covers all aspects of heart failure, and suggests the optimal evidence-based management for heart failure patients.

One of the most time-consuming tasks in clinical medicine is seeking the opinions of specialist colleagues. There is a pressure not only to make referrals appropriate but also to summarize the case in the language of the specialist. This book explains basic physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease in a straightforward manner, gives guidelines as to when referral is appropriate, and, uniquely, explains what the specialist is likely to do. It is ideal for any hospital doctor, generalist, or even senior medical student who may need a cardiology opinion, or for that ma.

The first book of its kind, this reference describes current diagnostic and treatment strategies for acute and chronic heart failure in the fetus, neonate, child, and young adult-encompassing every aspect of pediatric heart failure including historical perspectives, the latest technologies in mechanical circulatory support, and recent information on the psychosocial aspects of heart failure in children.

Providing optimal care for heart failure patients is a complex challenge that requires cooperation and coordination across multiple disciplines. Now, you can apply the successful techniques pioneered at the Cleveland Clinic, which are carefully explored and explained in this text. Drs. McCarthy and Young draw on their experience to show how an interdisciplinary team works together to: arrive at a proper diagnosis initiate medical therapy make decisions regarding the best use of percutaneous therapies, surgical therapies, electrical therapies, and the use of mechanical circulatory support devices and transplantation. Throughout the book, they present the most updated evidence for both drug trials and surgical trials. They emphasize the benefits of performing the most complete surgery that is practical, then continuing medical therapy. Each chapter focuses on one aspect of treatment, but the authors recognize that the best way to manage an individual patient is often to adapt a variety of different therapies. They state their opinions clearly, identifying which part of care is science and which is art. Heart Failure: A Combined Medical and Surgical Approach is a true collaboration that helps you identify the most effective strategies – operative interventions, pacing and ICD treatment, new diagnostic tools, and pharmacotherapeutic developments – and implement them for your patients.