This extensively revised second edition traces the development of the basic concepts in cardiovascular physiology in light of the accumulated experimental and clinical evidence. It considers the early embryonic circulation, where blood circulation suggests the existence of a motive force, tightly coupled to the metabolic demands of the tissues. It proposes that rather than being an organ of propulsion, the heart, serves as an organ of control, generating pressure by rhythmically impeding blood flow. New and expanded chapters cover the arterial pulse, circulation in the upright posture, microcirculation and functional heart morphology.
Heart and Circulation offers a new perspective for deeper understanding of the human cardiovascular system. It is therefore a thought-provoking resource for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and trainees interested in models of human circulation.
Heart and Circulation offers a new perspective for deeper understanding of the human cardiovascular system. It is therefore a thought-provoking resource for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and trainees interested in models of human circulation.
"Dr. Furst has commendably reviewed the origin and historical development of the heart-as-a-pump concept and amassed, as well, a very considerable weight of evidence undermining it and supporting an alternative model of the heart as an organ of impedance. This book will be particularly well received by all those who, like myself, experience a growing lack of confidence in the cardiocentric model of circulation. ... I recommend this book to all open-minded cardiovascular physiology enthusiasts without reservation ... ." (Anthony M. O'Leary, Anesthesiology, Vol. 124 (4), April, 2016)
"With this monograph Branko Furst succeeded to lay a foundation for a new physiology of the cardiovascular system. His excellent overview and presentation of a wide selection of topics is presented with clarity and depth of knowledge. ... this book will serve as a basis for a more encompassing, specifically human cardiovascular physiology arising from the evolutionary-biologic model of circulation." (Original book review in German language, Hans Christoph Kümmell, Der Merkurstab, Vol. 67 (3), 2014)
"With this monograph Branko Furst succeeded to lay a foundation for a new physiology of the cardiovascular system. His excellent overview and presentation of a wide selection of topics is presented with clarity and depth of knowledge. ... this book will serve as a basis for a more encompassing, specifically human cardiovascular physiology arising from the evolutionary-biologic model of circulation." (Original book review in German language, Hans Christoph Kümmell, Der Merkurstab, Vol. 67 (3), 2014)