In 13 chapters this book describes clearly the major diseases/disorders likely to be faced by a consultant cardiologist, as well as the most current treatment modalities available. Information culled from a wide variety of clinical trials is carefully examined and related to common experience, including the identification of various subsets of patients whose differing outcomes can be explained as a result of specific clinical characteristics. This attention to detail is present not only in discussions of specific maladies and sequalae, but also in the examination of management strategies. Care is also taken to address the dual tasks of the consultant cardiologist---how to bring a personal touch and happy ending to the cardiovascular problems of patients while at same time acknowledging the need for cardiac care to stay within budget, lest the rising tide of CVD bankrupt the healthcare system.