Noninvasive Electrocardiology in Clinical Practice is an up-to-date review of the current methods used within this area of cardiology. As the editors point out in the preface, a great deal of clinically relevant information can be gained from modern electrocardiologic analysis, and the purpose of this book is to assist physicians in obtaining and applying these data. The book is divided into 2 parts.
Part 1 contains 13 chapters in which the methodology and interpretation of various noninvasive electrocardiographic tests—including signal-averaging electrocardiography, Holter and event recordings, and tilt-table testing—are described in detail. Standard methods of ST segment analysis in both exercise stress testing and ambulatory monitoring are discussed, as well as analysis of heart rate variability and dispersion of repolarization. Included are thorough discussions of newer concepts such as heart rate turbulence, T wave alternans, and T wave variability.
The 2nd part of the book deals with the application of the previously reviewed electrocardiologic testing procedures to patients. Within the 12 chapters contained in this section, the authors attempt to review the usefulness of different testing procedures under specific clinical conditions. Chapters covering the selection of testing procedures in patients with syncope, recent myocardial infarction, and dilated cardiomyopathy are included. This section proves to be very readable and informative and is, of course, highly applicable in clinical practice.