Main description:

Modern cardiovascular science has produced a revolutionary new idea: the heart acts not merely as a pump, but as a "gland", that is as a regulator of circulatory homeostasis and salt-water balance. This book combines the classical heamodynamic view with the new neuro-hormonal paradigm, in all its potential clinical implications. The book will interest physiologists and clinicians involved in the study of the cardiovascular system and care of heart patients.

Contents:

Historical Background and Book Aim. - The Heart Complexity - The Intrinsic Function (Intrinsic Regulation of Heart Rate and Mechanics). - The Cardiac Natriuretic Hormone System. - Cardiac Natriuretic Hormones as Markers of Cardiovascular Disease: Methodological Aspects. - Clinical Considerations and Applications in Cardiac Diseases. - Clinical Applications in Extra-Cardiac Diseases. - Cardiac Natriuretic Hormone System as Target for Cardiovascular Therapy. - 'Unconclusive' Remarks: Past, Present and Future of Natriuretic Peptides.