Comprehensive Electrocardiology 1-2. (töredék) [antikvár]

Preface Over the past century, there have been many excellent publications on the subject of electrocardiography. When an invitation was received to produce a new text on electrocardiology, there was, not unexpectedly, some initial trepidation on the part of the Editors although, of course, it was regarded as both an honour and a challenge to produce such a work. It was felt that if the work were to represent a major contribution to the field, it had to be different from what had previously been published. From the outset, therefore, the aim of Comprehensive Electrocardiology was to collate as much as possible of the diverse aspects of the topic into one publication which could become a major source of reference for some years. The field of electrocardiology is not standing still and it has been a prime concern of the Editors to ensure that the text is as up-to-date as possible. There is no accurate record of the number of electrocardiograms which are recorded annually world-wide. It is, however, self-evident that the electrocardiogram still remains one of the most commonly used noninvasive investigations in the diagnostic armamentarium of the physician despite the advance of many other techniques. Indeed, the explosive growth of microprocessor technology in the last decade has ensured that the electrocardiograph has remained at the forefront of technological developments. It has been estimated that between 1975 and 1987 the number of electrocardiograms reported annually by computer in North America alone increased from 4 to 51 million. There would therefore appear to be considerable value in continuing to improve the diagnostic capability of the electrocardiogram. The aim of this reference work is to summarize as best as possible the current knowledge of all aspects of theoretical and practical electrocardiology with particular emphasis being held on the interpretation of the electrocardiogram. From the outset there was no intention of providing a book which dealt in detail with the treatment of various abnormalities, particularly arrhythmias, as there are many texts dealing with this rapidly changing therapeutic field. In very general terms, the opening chapters are concerned with the more theoretical aspects of the topic as these form the foundation on which further advance is likely to be made. The following sections of the book deal with the more practical aspects of recording and interpreting the electrocardiogram. The final section deals with some of the more specialized though no less important aspects of electrocardiology. In view of the role of comparative electrocardiography, particularly in pharmaceutical research, it was felt of importance to include a review of the electrocardiogram in various species, particularly the dog. These sections have been supplemented by appendices containing international recommendations, detailed criteria and extensive tables of normal limits, many of which are unique. This book could not have been completed without the considerable help of many people. The editors wish to thank the contributors for their manuscripts as well as their patience in responding to the multitude of editorial queries which arose in a work of this size. We would also like to acknowledge that the initial idea for such a book was proposed by Mr Graham Smith, now of Health Sciences Book Services, Glasgow. We must gratefully thank Mr Roger Dunn, Vice-President of Pergamon Press in New York, who made the decision to proceed with the book and we trust that his commercial judgement will prove to be correct. Over the years, our own research in electrocardiography has been supported by many people. First, we must acknowledge our debt to the late Isidore and Lena Walton, whose generosity resulted in the establishment of the Department of Medical Cardiology in the University of Glasgow. We are also grateful to Dr J H Wright, who did so much to stimulate our interest in electrocardiography and vectorcardiography. We would also like to acknowledge the support of other bodies including the Eraser of Allander Trust, the British Heart Foundation, the Scottish Home and Health Department, the Greater Glasgow Health Board and the University of Glasgow. Without their generous assistance, we would not have been in a position to undertake the preparation of this book. Siemens-Elema of Stockholm, Sweden, have also indirectly contributed to the publication of this book and our thanks are due to them for supporting our efforts. This three-volume work has been completely produced in the Oxford office of Pergamon Press. To this end we must thank particularly Mr Michael Mabe and his team for their considerable assistance in preparing this publication. Locally, it is a pleasure to acknowledge the secretarial assis-