Edited by Francisco J. Chorro, Roberto García Civera, and Vicent López Merino. Printed in Spain by Guada Impresores, S.L., 2007. 919 pages, 403 figures, and 75 tables. ISBN: 978-84-370-6715-5.
I always welcome the launch of a book on clinical cardiology, and even more if it comes from such a prestigious Spanish source as these 3 editors, who I know—as well as some of the authors—because of their good work. Every book has its merits and its flaws, which I will describe briefly.
This book has a classic structure and is easy to read, with didactic illustrations and a clear exposition of the concepts. Despite an attempt made on the half-title page, this book has no prologue—which is where editors generally explain for what audience the book is intended. Nevertheless, my general impression is that this book is particularly useful for young cardiology residents. Furthermore, the format and weight of the book allow it to be carried in a rucksack. I know this observation may seem superficial, but it is not. Along with many others, I have noticed that today's cardiology residents know the clinical guidelines very well, that is, they know what to do, but not why it is done. And I feel that few residents devote themselves to in-depth study of cardiology and its basic pathophysiology in the way that the editors of this book have done. Since a solid base of theoretical knowledge is required to begin clinical practice, I would recommend that first-year residents learn this book (or other similar works) by heart, and leave clinical guidelines for a later date. In this way, they will build a solid educational foundation. For this reason, this is a good bedside or "companion" book, which is why it should be easy to carry in a rucksack. Another merit is that it lists well-chosen "recommended readings," instead of one of those extensive bibliographies that, at times, are more like vanity lists than useful tools. In my opinion, a chapter on preoperative evaluation seems to be missing, as well as another, or others, summarising the practical evaluation of the patient with dyspnoea, precordial pain, palpitations and systemic embolism. Furthermore, the chapters on syncope and arrhythmias are perhaps too long, and neither is there a chapter on pulmonary hypertension and systemic diseases affecting the heart. The chapter on the history of cardiology (also too long) was enjoyable, but I am not sure that it would be useful for someone without previous knowledge of cardiology and the history of its pioneers.
In short, I would like to congratulate the authors of this book, which will be useful for those wanting to specialise in cardiology, and also as a reference book for general practitioners. As proof that I like the book, I'll put it in my rucksack when I travel so that I can learn new material or restructure my previous knowledge.