New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

Using an evidence-based approach, the authors present a detailed overview of the syndrome of heart failure. They examine the causes, pathophysiology, investigation, diagnosis, and treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) with emphasis on recently-published studies. Chapters focus on antiarrhythmic and antithrombotic therapy, beta blockers and inotropes, and other vasodilators such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers. The book is fully illustrated throughout with color photographs and radiographic, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram images. It will be of interest to cardiologists and general physicians in training, general practitioners, cardiac technicians and nurses, and medical students.

Most patients with cerebrovascular diseases are treated with antiplatelet drugs. Basic thromosis research showed that platelets are an important factor in the pathogenesis of ar- therosclerosis and its complications, but other compounds as macrophages and vessel wall factors are also involved in this process. The aim of this volume is to connect labora- tory findings with clinical applications.

Ten years after the discovery of prostacyclin, our knowledge of its biochemical mode of action, pharmacological properties, pathophysiological significance and therapeutic applications is ever expanding. Prostacyclin is both complex and unique as demonstrated by its unusual feature of being chemically and meta bolically unstable when compared to other prostanoids and known amine or peptide mediators. Although physiologically essential, the chemical instability of prostacyclin poses a serious drawback in laboratory and clinical studies. It is one of the genuine objectives of pharmaceutical research to supply synthetic compounds which overcome the inherent drawbacks - considering investigational and therapeutic use - of endogenous compounds. Whereas metabolic instability in certain cases could be of advantage, chemical instability definitely is not. With Iloprost, a molecule has been designed which - according to all data so far available - pertains high receptor affinity, metabolic instability (clinically this equates with a fine control of Iloprost's effects) while chemical stability has been achieved. By virtue of these characteristics Iloprost can be considered as one step towards specific interaction within the arachidonic acid cascade, namely the prostacyclin receptor. The aim of the symposium was to provide a critical experimental appraisal concerning the biochemical mode of action and pharmacological properties of prostacyclin and Iloprost.

A rapid increase in our understanding of the biology of platelets and their role in disease in recent years has been paralleled by increasing successes with established platelet-modifying therapies in many clinical conditions. This text focuses on the clinical role of platelets in a wide variety of haematologic, cardiovascular and other disorders, providing a practical, clinically relevant handbook for all clinicians and researchers interested in platelets and their role in disease. Covering platelet physiology, bleeding disorders, thrombotic disorders and antithrombotic therapy. Chapters cover all the conventional and less conventional aspects of platelet involvement in disease, with an emphasis on recent clinical developments. Clear take home messages have been included in each chapter to aid clinical practice. With contributions from leading experts across three continents, Platelets in Hematologic and Cardiovascular Disorders is an up-to-date, well illustrated, practical resource for everyone involved in clinical practice with platelet disorders.