G, University of Bristol

This ‘Systems of the Body’ text provides a simple and straightforward introduction to the cardiovascular system. It is easy-to-use and is an ideal core text or revision text for medical students or biomedical science students; a useful tool for anyone (student or not) wishing to reacquaint themselves with some of the basic science behind the day-to-day clinical practice of cardiology. Topics are illustrated by the problems (case studies) encountered in clinical situations. ‘Interesting Fact’ boxes are used throughout to highlight historical aspects, important concepts or more offbeat points of information. A glossary of clinical terms is also provided for those not familiar with clinical training. This textbook is well-written, integrates clinical topics seamlessly and the case histories provide valuable insight.

Posted 10th Jun 2010

George Collins, University College London

For cardiovascular physiology this textbook is the be-all and end-all. It’s a fantastically concise yet sufficiently detailed alternative to other chunky specialist cardiovascular texts like Hurst’s and Katz. Carefully chosen further reading articles at the end of each chapter provide a kick-start for more specialist study too. What’s also great is that it integrates easy-to-find boxes of case studies for all the common cardiovascular conditions that are perfectly placed in parallel with the physiological info. The accompanying illustrations are vital for studying these case studies and the relevant physiology too. They include histological slides, biochemical/homeostatic pathways and anatomical diagrams, all of which are sizeable and neatly placed within the relevant section for easy reference. This text is very well designed so that cardiology clinical students don’t lose direction while studying the physiology they need while the preclinical students don’t have to get bogged down in the clinical substance. Personally, I didn’t need any textbook for my cardiovascular course other than this.

Posted 2nd Jun 2010

Christopher Roughley, University of Warwick

For a relatively thin textbook, it certainly packs in a lot of information. It doesn't just cover conditions of the heart but gives a complete overview of the cardiovascular conditions, cardiac physiology and clinical practice. One really nice component is the several case examples throughout the book, which helps to assimilate your learning and think with a clinical perspective. There is too much text on occasion but overall there are very few pages that are not broken up with diagrams and tables. The layout of information is readily accessible and appropriate, allowing you to pick out specific content easily. This text is definitely worth reading for revision or even if you need a little more information during cardiology placements.

Posted 28th May 2010