This book, composed of formal papers and selected edited discussions from a program sponsored by the American College of Cardiology, is deceptively titled, containing many more facets of the field of cardiology than is indicated. There are four broad divisions, 27 sections, and 28 authors. Subject material varies from excellent reviews of the basic physiology of arrhythmias and hemodynamics of cardiovascular collapse to prehospital community-planned emergency care. The anatomical-functional diagrams of normal and abnormal coronary circulation, especially of small arteries, and the limited definitions of heart attack as "subendocardial," "transmural," and "sudden death" seem overly simplified.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, probably the most widely applied, important emergency cardiac procedure, is well discussed and indications and broad recommendation of personnel training are presented. The uninitiated or less experienced operator might profit by more explicit details, including diagrams of the techniques and hazards of the procedure.
The case history panel discussions are discursive and