Thoroughly revised and updated, this Fourth Edition is the only current book that integrates cellular and subcellular elements of cardiovascular physiology in the analysis of physiologic and pathophysiologic responses. In straightforward terms, with more than 600 diagrams and illustrations, the book explains the key principles crucial to understanding how the cardiovascular system and its components function and malfunction.

For this edition, Dr. Opie has enlisted eight internationally eminent co-authors and added a new chapter on cell signaling. The chapters on physiology of the ECG and arrhythmias contain many more ECGs. More than half of the illustrations—including 12 color plates—are new.

Description from previous edition: The Third Edition of this classic text brings you the latest in cardiac physiology. In straightforward terms, and with the aid of more than 200 explanatory diagrams, Dr. Opie presents a detailed account of cardiac cellular physiology, oxidative metabolism and coronary flow, and ventricular function; and traces the cellular events involved in congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, myocardial reperfusion, and arrhythmia development. Inclueded: A new introductory section on Basic Cardiovascular Physiology provides essential material for medical and postgraduate research students in biochemistry and microbiology; New information has been added on the electrocardiogram, peripheral circulation, and the molecular biology of ion channels, cardiovascular growth and remodeling; A new chapter on Blood Pressure and Peripheral Circulation; Two sets of questions at the end of each chapter are directed at students and cardiologists-in-training; Numerous new illustrations, including a two-color section on the mechanism of contraction; All major new references have been added to every chapter.