In this chapter, we have drawn from evidence-based guidelines, adopted the standard classification schemas used to grade the level of recommendation and strength of supportive evidence, and provided updated information…
Overview and Definitions Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mm Hg or higher, a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mm Hg or higher, or current use of antihypertensive…
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents a major public health problem in the United States and throughout the world, with a frequently cited estimate of more than 300,000 adult sudden deaths…
After decades focused on pharmacologic management, the year 2001 ushered in a new era of implantable device therapies for the management of heart failure (HF) with the U.S. Food and…
Overview The field of coronary revascularization was revolutionized more than 50 years ago, when the first successful coronary artery bypass surgery was performed, followed shortly thereafter by the first percutaneous…
Because of the difficulty many patients have in improving their diet, physicians may be tempted to lose faith in a nonpharmacologic approach to the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This…
A small subset of patients with hypercholesterolemia have an inadequate lipid-lowering response to maximal diet and drug treatment and should be considered for additional therapy to come as close as…
Overview The pharmacologic management of hypertension has evolved significantly over the past few decades. In the past, thiazide diuretics and β-blockers were highly recommended as the only first-line therapies due…
For many arrhythmia syndromes, catheter ablation has replaced pharmacologic therapy. Multicenter studies over the past 3 decades have demonstrated disappointing efficacy, frequent nuisance, and even life-threatening side effects of antiarrhythmic…
Sudden Cardiac Death Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major health care problem despite the progressive decline in the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) over the past 50 years….
