The first edition of this book was quite successful. As in the first edition, the book is divided into two major sections: cardiac muscle and coronary circula Several complimentary book reviews appeared soon tion. The book is multidisciplinary and includes after the first edition was published, and written and membrane biophysics, electrophysiology, physiol oral words of praise and appreciation were given both ogy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, to the publisher and to me by quite a few individuals. and ultrastructure. Thus, the book attempts ro It is because of such positive comments and reactions that the publisher and I decided to embark on a integrate all relevant aspects of the factors influenc second edition of Physiology and Pathophysiology of the ing the function of the heart as a vital organ under Heart. The second edition was long in preparation, normal and various abnormal conditions. The book taking over a year to complete. All chapter contri also attempts to set the foundation for an under butors were asked to revise, improve, and update standing of the action and mechanism of action of a their articles, and all have done so with enthusiasm number of classes of cardioactive drugs.