Heart Failure Management
7th Edition ( 1999 ) Edited by Martin Dunitz Publishers ; 288pages ; $125.00
Heart Failure Management is a multi-authored, multi-institution review of the evaluation and management of patients with heart failure. It comprehensively covers the current understanding of heart failure concepts, as well as the important principles of an integrated approach to patient management.
The book is divided into 19 chapters, all equal in the quality of their content, and encompasses a vast, array of information on the epidemiology of heart failure, the major clinical trials (past and future) that have furthered our understanding of this entity, issues regarding surgical procedures, the difficulty in controlling arrhythmias with drugs and devices, great detail concerning the varied and complex pharmacologic treatments, social and psychological issues, nonpharmacologic measures regarding compliance, earlier intervention, prevention, and utilization of nurse-managed congestive heart failure programs. The emphasis is on a multidisciplinary team approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart failure in order to deliver quality care.
The major strength of this book is its recognition of the unique needs of the heart failure patient, the variable pathophysiology, issues of patient education and compliance, and the essential role of careful follow-up. Other particular strengths include the general formatting. The headings, contents, well positioned tables, appropriate illustrations, good flow charts, summaries, and references are pleasing to the eye and make it extremely readable.
All aspects of heart failure management are appropriately addressed; however, the direct contributions from pharmacy, social services, and nursing would have added another perspective.
This book is a tremendous resource for all medical personnel involved in primary care, as well as those specializing in congestive heart failure. It is useful for physicians, medical students, nurses, and anyone else working with this underestimated patient population.—Susan M. Nelson, LPN, CHF Clinic Nurse Coordinator, Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
