In its original conception, this book was intended as an introductory text for medical students. It has subsequently achieved a much wider readership, including nurses, junior hospital doctors preparing for membership and general practitioners. The book has in addition achieved an international audience, reaching countries with differing disease profiles and a range of healthcare provision. We have endeavored to retain the characteristics necessary to interest the diverse readership. Coverage of the traditional aspects of cardiology is included, but recent diagnostic and therapeutic developments also have their place. It has been extended to include recent technological developments in the fields of angioplasty and electrophysiology. The management of acute myocardial infarction has been revised and extended to take account of the recent rapid developments in this field.