Written by a past president of the Boston Chapter of the American Heart Association, "Heart Disease" is a comprehensive account of the leading cause of death in the West. Sequential chapters describe the structure and function of the heart, the various disease states, and the treatments for each major disease. In addition, the book examines the vast array of diagnostic tests and the most advanced treatments available, from basic drugs for prevention such as aspirin to transplants and artificial hearts.

Dr. de Silva, who teaches at Harvard Medical School, also covers historical aspects...