Biophysics of the Failing Heart

Subjects in the monograph Biophysics of the Failing Heart include state of the art chapters considering major biophysical mechanisms for why hearts responding to acquired or inherited stressors enter into maladaptive processes eventually leading to an inability of the heart to respond efficiently to hemodynamic loads especially during exercise. The chapters describe biophysical techniques that have been applied to determine the triggers for the heart failure process as well as the mechanisms for sustaining the disorders. These techniques include measurements of active and passive mechanical properties and hemodynamics at levels of organization ranging from molecules to hearts beating in situ. Biophysical concepts and approaches are also applied to determination of signaling and signal transduction, energetics, ionic currents, transport processes, electro-chemical and chemo-mechanical coupling. By its emphasis on biophysical aspects of a prevalent clinical condition, the monograph is unique in its perspective and focus. The breadth of information in the chapters all in one place will be of value to clinicians and researchers at all levels. Modern research approaches and clinical understanding of heart failure demands integration of multiple aspects of the disorders. In most cases, combinations of clinician scientists and researchers author the chapters. A main benefit of the book is couched in its didactic approach together with its emphasis on how biophysical concepts and techniques aid in diagnosis and development of new therapies.

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Biophysics of the Failing Heart. - Chapter 2 Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca homeostasis and Heart Failure. - Chapter 3 Ca-homeostasis and Heart Failure: Focus on the Biophysics of Surface Membrane Ca-Fluxes. - Chapter 4 Biophysics of Membrane Currents in Heart Failure. - Chapter 5 Biophysical Mechanisms for the Metabolic Component of Impaired Heart Function. - Chapter 6 Cytoskeletal Nuclear Links in the Cardiomyocyte . - Chapter 7 Biophysical Forces Modulate the Costamere and Z-Disc. - Chapter 8 Heart failure- the final frontier for biophysics in cardiovascular medicine? . - Chapter 9 Arrhythmogenesis, Heart Failure, and the Biophysics of Z-band Protein Networks. - Chapter 10 Biophysics of Titin in Cardiac Health and Disease. - Chapter 11 Sarcomeres and the Biophysics of Heart Failure. - Index.