Reviewed by Dr Harry Brown

2 Volume set

Mann, Zipes, Libby and Bonow

ISBN 9781455751334

Elsevier

http://www.elsevierhealth.co.uk/cardiology/braunwald-heart-disease-a-textbook-of-cardiovascular-medicine-2-volume-set-expert-consult/9781455751334/

£163

If you are looking for a good all round but basic cardiovascular book, this is not the product you are looking for. Anyway it would be pretty expensive for just a basic book and if this is your need look elsewhere, as this book Braunwald’s Heart Disease is not for you. Braunwald’s Heart Disease is a truly heavyweight textbook designed for the expert and specialist, though for a GP with a special interest, this may be all that is needed.

Now in its 10th edition, this is truly a superb resource for all things cardiovascular and seems to be breathtaking in its coverage. A lot of books can claim to be a one stop shop and though it does not claim to be-I guess this book should answer most queries from the basic to the sophisticated when dealing with a patient and their problems. There is a lot of good science within the text though undeniably, it is a clinical book; the basic science is relevant to a clinician and makes reading around a topic much more interesting and educational.

As well containing a wide spread of information and it is very detailed, the production values of the book are high. It is a pleasure to leaf through and dip into sections. It is amazing how much I learnt by simply doing this. Some of the diagrams are excellent and compliment the text.

It is very much an in-depth reference book that remains at the same time, accessible and the editors deserve great credit for seamlessly putting together all the efforts from the various contributors. The two volume set was easy to use and the books are not too large and the paper had a quality feel to it.

Bundled with the price is access to an on line version on the expert consult platform. This can also be adapted to access via a mobile app as well. On the on line version, there is also access to updates and multimedia offerings. At the time of writing this review, the updates were regular.

I found it hard to criticise this offering and although it may seem pricey and it is, for those people that need a resource like this and be prepared to use it, then it is a good purchase.

Dr Harry Brown

November 2014