Radioisotopes in Cardiovascular Disease

Eight aspects of cardiovascular diseases in which radioisotopes are used diagnostically or therapeutically are covered in this book. In addition, the first article consists of a glossary of nuclear terms. The inclusion of this lead article is most helpful, since those which follow are addressed, in general, to the internist who does not work with radioisotopes.

One must consider rather critically the advantages and shortcomings of radioactive isotopes in the various uses to which they have been put. The prime disadvantage is that of health hazard to either patient or physician. Virtually all of the diagnostic procedures and methods discussed here, due to either the short biologic half-life of the radioisotope or the small dose required, can be considered safe. There is somewhat less unanimity on this point in the case of therapeutic doses of radioisotopes. A second problem encountered is that of handling of radioisotopes. This has now boiled