Springer Acute Heart Failure: Putting the Puzzle of Pathophysiology and Evidence Together in Daily Practice

Acute heart failure is a potentially life threatening situation where correct, rapid therapy can save lives. Information from the latest research and studies has been used to update this text to bring the latest understanding of the pathophysiology together with a practical guide to diagnosis and management using an evidenced based approach. Since the first edition of Acute Heart Failure, this research has brought to light three important issues to be integrated into a second edition. First, the so-called “vascular heart failure” has been identified as a common and decisive mechanism provoking acute heart failure due to the coupling and interaction between the heart (right and left heart) and the large vessel systems (aorta and pulmonary artery). Second, the interaction and cross-talk between heart and kidneys, the so-called ‘cardiorenal syndrome’ has been identified as another feature of acute heart failure syndromes. Third, we have new knowledge and updated points of views about the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients suffering from heart failure, the group 2 of the classification system of pulmonary hypertension. These are all covered in this second edition. This revision to a seminal text is a valuable addition to any practitioner who treats patients with acute heart failure and wants a deeper understanding of the condition. Review “This would be a good reference for those in the process of medical training or in practice, such as medical students, residents, cardiology fellows, APPs in cardiology/heart failure, and practicing cardiologists. … provides comprehensive, updated guidance in the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of acute heart failure. The concepts are covered in great detail and are thoroughly evidence based. This would be useful as a reference as well as a background book for medical students up through cardiology fellows and practitioners.” (Thomas Middour, Doody's Book Reviews, November, 2017) From the Back Cover This new and revised edition of this definitive text on this topic provides extensive comprehensive guidance on the management of acute heart failure, the potentially life-threatening situation where correct, rapid therapy can save lives. It presents the latest research and studies and combines this latest understanding of the pathophysiology with a practical guide to diagnosis and management using a thoroughly evidence-based approach. Always keeping the underlying pathophysiology at the forefront of the discussion, Acute Heart Failure encourages readers to understand the underlying pathogenesis and pathobiology of the acute situation and how to direct management in order to address the abnormal physiology.  This revision to a seminal text includes new and substantial insights gained over the last few years and represents a valuable source to any practitioner who treats patients with acute heart failure who wants a comprehensive and deeper understanding of the condition, as well as expanding their capacities for an individualized approach to each patient. About the Author Dr.  Wolfgang Kruger is a physician trained and specialized in general internal medicine, cardiology and intensive care medicine, with international certification. He has worked as a consultant intensivist and cardiologist throughout Europe, with special interests in acute heart failure and circulatory disorders of critically ill patients. Currently he is working as senior consultant at the Medical University Department of the Cantonal Hospital in Aarau, Switzerland, where he holds teaching responsibilities. His attempt to incorporate the newest research into everyday evidence-based medicine led him to write a textbook on this topic.