Recent Advances in Coronary Circulation

Coronary circulation research is advancing at a rapid rate. Not only are inno- vative techniques for studying myocardial perfusion being developed, new mechanisms related to coronary blood flow control and mechanics are also being discovered. The progress in this field justifies an update in the form of this new monograph. The book is divided into the following sections: "Measurement of Coronary Blood Flow and Assessment of Myocardial Per- fusion" discusses advances in perfusion measurements in humans as well as nonradioactive microsphere methods. . "Coronary Flow Dynamics" elucidates the effect of heart contraction on coronary flow, perfusion, and reserve distribution as well as systolic-diastolic interaction. Models-a frequent topic of debate-are used to quantify hypotheses. "Models of Coronary Circulation" attempts to elucidate the concept of tissue pressure. "Regulatory Mechanisms of Coronary circulation and its Clinical Relevance" N u.merous mechanisms affecting coronary flow have been defined and studied at the level of isolated vessels and whole organs. The chapters in this section provide an in-depth analysis of a selection of these mechanisms and their inter- actions. "Pathophysiology of Coronary Circulation in Ischemic Heart Disease" considers important aspects of factors which restrict perfusion of the myocardium in ischemic heart disease. An understanding these factors is of crucial importance in the management of patients. "Small Vessel Disorder in Coronary Circulation" describes circulatory flow and how it can be influenced by drugs.