Cardiac Rehabilitation: Basic Theory and Application, Contemporary Perspectives in Rehabilitation, vol. 2.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Basic Theory and Application This is the second volume in the Contemporary Perspectives in Rehabilitation series. Its expressed intent is "to provide the basic theory of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation and the practical application of this theory so that allied health professionals at various educational levels might gain sufficient information to function optimally as cardiac rehabilitation specialists."

To achieve this goal the authors provide a comprehensive yet concise review of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology knowledge needed to understand coronary artery disease and its treatment. This portion of the text is designed to augment information learned in basic science courses. The chapter encompassing medical and surgical management reviews the pharmacologic agents commonly used and the surgical interventions available in the treatment of coronary disease. This is followed by a discussion of the electrocardiogram and its interpretation. Review questions and rhythm strips are provided at the end of the chapter to assist and challenge the reader. The remainder of the book takes an in-depth look at assessment, exercise prescription, the therapy session, and methods of assessing and modifying risk factors. To help clarify the information presented and to challenge the reader, 20 case studies are included throughout the last portion of the text.

All chapters are filled with well-labeled and pertinent graphs and illustrations to further explain and clarify the text. Bold headings are used to delineate topics, making it easy to find specific areas of interest. A summary follows each chapter, along with an extensive bibliography. An extensive, accurate index is found at the end of the book.

The amount of information packed into this relatively small, reasonably priced text make it ideal for courses in cardiac rehabilitation at the student physical therapist level. Physical therapy practitioners or clinics involved in or wanting to become involved in cardiac rehabilitation should have this text in their library.