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Cardiac Drug Therapy, 5th Edition
Edited by M. Gabriel Khan
W. B. Saunders Company, London (1999)
464 pages, illustrated, $39.95
ISBN: 0-7020-2479-1
Type of Book: This is a single author practical guide to cardiac drug therapy.
Scope: The book is a very comprehensive manual of the drug treatment of cardiac disorders.
Contents: There are five chapters dealing with individual or similar classes of drugs (beta blockers, angiotensin inhibitors or blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs); eight dealing with individual groups of cardiovascular disorders (hypertension, angina, infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and endocarditis); and two dealing with special situations (drug treatment during pregnancy and lactation and their interactions).
Strengths: This is an excellent book. It succeeds in being very practical while presenting the major evidence in relation to its recommendations. The author stamps his authority very clearly throughout the text by very clear assertions of his own recommendations even when these recommendations are at odds with those of official bodies. In such situations the "official" recommendations as also stated (but clearly are not preferred).
Deficiencies: There are no significant deficiencies in this text. Inevitably, the size of the book is increasing with successive editions. The current edition would just about fit into a pocket but it would have to be a large pocket and the material would have to be substantial. It is definitely not recommended for insertion into the pocket of an elegant suit or jacket.
Recommended Audience: This book will be of value to absolutely anyone who prescribes for cardiac patients on a day-to-day basis. From the trainee to the experienced consultant, all will find it useful.
Derek J. Rowlands, M.D.
Consultant Cardiologist
The Beeches
Mill Lane, Cheadle
Cheshire, Great Britain, UK