(Circulation. 1999;100:e124.)
© 1999 American Heart Association, Inc.
Circulation Electronic Pages |
Preventive Cardiology: A Guide for Clinical Practice
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Introduction |
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Killian C. Robinson. 419 pp. New York: Futura Publishing Co; 1998. $69.00. ISBN 0-87993-692-4.
Cardiovascular diseases and related complications remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most developed countries and will soon achieve similar notoriety worldwide. Despite the increasing availability of sophisticated medical and surgical interventions, many patients succumb to these diseases. Renewed emphasis on prevention is therefore appropriate. Until recently, however, there were few comprehensive textbooks on preventive cardiology. Killian Robinson has succeeded in producing such a book. The 22 authors who contributed to the 14 chapters of Preventive Cardiology include world-renowned clinicians and investigators in the fields of cardiovascular medicine and epidemiology. In general the chapters are lucid, concise, and very informative. With rare exceptions, the 70 figures and 57 tables have refreshing clarity and complement the text well. Although not formally categorized, the book’s 14 chapters fall into four general domains: established risk factors, preventive cardiology in special populations, new targets in preventive cardiology, and a "how-to" section on the establishment of a preventive cardiology clinic.
The epidemiology and clinical importance of
hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the other established risk factors
are presented in substantial detail. Recommendations for
prevention and treatment are discussed and the role of preclinical
disease such as left ventricular hypertrophy
and microalbuminuria are highlighted. The merits of
nutritional and dietary factors such as fatty acids, fish oils,
antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids, fiber, and soy are presented
in a balanced fashion. Smoking cessation is appropriately emphasized
and practical steps are suggested for physician