A textbook of cardiovascular medicine

One volume edition

Edited by Peter Libby, Robert Bonow, Douglas Mann, Gordon Tomaselli, Deepak Bhatt and Scott Solomon

ISBN 978-0-323-82467-5

Published November 2021 by Elsevier

https://www.uk.elsevierhealth.com/braunwalds-heart-disease-single-volume-9780323824675.html

£218.99

This is a truly monumental and hugely impressive book and it is living proof that in this modern internet ear, there is still room for a blockbuster book like this. The first edition appeared in 1980 and the founding author Eugene Braunwald (aged 92 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Braunwald) still has made a contribution to this book. The preface of this current edition describes the book’s mission to provide “comprehensive” knowledge in its field. In my humble opinion, the book lives up to its expectations.

I reviewed the one volume version (far better than a 2-volume version as whenever I use a 2 volume book, after referring to the index, I usually pick the wrong volume!) and is easy to use, despite it’s impressive size and bulk.

There are 1902 pages of text encased between sturdy hard covers, followed by an impressive disclosure index then the real index. It is clinically focussed but reinforced by a superb academic backbone and it is incredibly detailed. For example, on Page 1196, there is about half a page description of Timothy Syndrome. I had not heard of that either as there are less than 30 people described with this condition. Another condition which is more common but I think has a low profile is Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy which is a condition that has always fascinated me. On Page 1042, there is a superb, understandable and focussed description which is very helpful.

The common conditions are described in great detail but relevant to specialist clinical care. Accompanying this impressive text is an equally impressive collection of figures and tables with high quality graphics. This combination produces a powerhouse of a cardiology textbook aimed squarely at a specialist. The editors and contributors have clearly worked hard to provide “comprehensive” coverage which is the aim in the preface.

As would be expected from this book’s quality, price and publishing background (the publishers have a well established pedigree with digital versions of their book) it comes with a digital sibling. The book can be accessed via a website or a smart device app and they are easy to use. The App requires a substantial 1.78GB download which reflects the depth and breadth of the content of this book. There are also updates which reflect new studies and breaking news which is the first section of the online version-very impressive.

Of course a book of this quality will not come cheap and yes it is not cheap. However don’t let the price put you off. If you are a specialist cardiologist or a healthcare professional that works in cardiology this would be an excellent book for your department or personal library. This book is too detailed for primary care but if you are a primary care practitioner with a special interest in cardiology, this could be an excellent one stop shop.

Dr Harry Brown

3^rd May 2022