This classic textbook of electrocardiography has been used by students from around the world since 1970.  It utilizes a unique, interactive plan of instruction that guides the reader through the fundamentals of EKG interpretation. 

The author is a highly respected clinical cardiologist and researcher who has written an outstanding resource for those who desire to understand how the heart works.  This book is for advanced readers who already have a fundamental appreciation for cardiac function.  This book was an invaluable resource as I was writing my own textbook.  It is particularly strong in its detailed presentation of cellular and molecular mechanisms.

This textbook, authored by Dr. Klabunde, stresses the fundamental concepts of cardiovascular physiology. It was written to enable students to learn how the cardiovascular system functions in order to build a foundation for understanding cardiovascular disease, its diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the textbook is particularly well-suited for first and second year medical students, as well as students in allied health sciences and health profession training programs (e.g., nursing, physician assistant, cardiac rehabilitation, paramedic, exercise physiology and sports medicine). The textbook seamlessly integrates classical biophysical and biochemical principles with modern cellular physiology. These principles are placed into a clinical context by incorporating numerous pathophysiological examples and clinical cases. This textbook provides many more figures and tables than found in this web site, and has more detailed explanations of cardiovascular topics, some of which are not included on this web site.  The textbook includes supplemental material and self-assessment questions on a CD-ROM. 

This textbook was written as a collaborative project between medical students and faculty at Harvard Medical School.  I have used it extensively in teaching cardiac pathophysiology to medical students, and have made it my number one recommended textbook for medical students learning cardiac pathology, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease.  It is not a substitute for textbooks such as Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, but instead serves as the next step beyond fundamental physiologic concepts.  Therefore, it is most appropriate for students who have already had an introductory course in cardiovascular physiology.  This is the book to learn about valve disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, etc.

Like the book by Katz, this is a relatively advanced book on cardiac physiology, and as such, I have found it to be an excellent resource.  Dr. Opie is a highly respected clinician, researcher, and author.  The book has excellent illustrations that clearly summarize important ideas.  This book is for advanced readers who already have a fundamental appreciation for cardiac function.