Biophysics of the Failing Heart - (Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering) by R John Solaro & Jil C Tardiff (Paperback)

About the Book

This book describes biophysical techniques that have been applied to determine the triggers for the heart failure process, as well as the mechanisms for sustaining the disorders.

Book Synopsis

Subjects in the monograph "Biophysics of the Failing Heart" include state of the art chapters considering major biophysical mechanisms for why hearts responding to acquired or inherited stressors enter into maladaptive processes eventually leading to an inability of the heart to respond efficiently to hemodynamic loads especially during exercise. The chapters describe biophysical techniques that have been applied to determine the triggers for the heart failure process as well as the mechanisms for sustaining the disorders. These techniques include measurements of active and passive mechanical properties and hemodynamics at levels of organization ranging from molecules to hearts beating in situ. Biophysical concepts and approaches are also applied to determination of signaling and signal transduction, energetics, ionic currents, transport processes, electro-chemical and chemo-mechanical coupling. By its emphasis on biophysical aspects of a prevalent clinical condition, the monograph is unique in its perspective and focus. The breadth of information in the chapters all in one place will be of value to clinicians and researchers at all levels. Modern research approaches and clinical understanding of heart failure demands integration of multiple aspects of the disorders. In most cases, combinations of clinician scientists and researchers author the chapters. A main benefit of the book is couched in its didactic approach together with its emphasis on how biophysical concepts and techniques aid in diagnosis and development of new therapies.

From the Back Cover

Biophysics of the Failing Heart considers major biophysical mechanisms for why hearts responding to stressors enter into maladaptive processes, eventually leading to an inability of the heart to respond efficiently to hemodynamic loads--especially during exercise. The book describes biophysical techniques that have been applied to determine the triggers for the heart failure process, as well as the mechanisms for sustaining the disorders. These techniques include measurements of active and passive mechanical properties and hemodynamics at levels of organization ranging from molecules to hearts beating in situ. Biophysical concepts and approaches are also applied to determination of signaling and signal transduction, energetics, ionic currents, transport processes, electro-chemical and chemo-mechanical coupling.
Modern research approaches and clinical understanding of heart failure demands integration of multiple aspects of the disorders. By its emphasis on biophysical aspects of a prevalent clinical condition, this monograph is unique in its perspective and focus, and will be of value to clinicians and researchers at all levels.

Review Quotes

From the reviews:

"This is an up-to-date synthesis of the molecular and cellular biophysics of both normal and various cardiac pathologies with an emphasis on heart failure. ... It is designed as a useful resource for cardiology practitioners and basic scientists looking for a current in-depth review of cardiac molecular biophysiology. ... The book is extensively illustrated with diagrams and figures. This is a necessary addition to the literature addressing the biophysiology in the failing heart. It will be useful to cardiovascular specialists and basic scientists." (Don A. Davis, Doody's Book Reviews, January, 2014)

About the Author

R. John Solaro is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago and the head of the Physiology and Biophysics department.

Jil C. Tardiff is a Professor at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson. She is also a practicing cardiologist.