The incidence of cardiac disease in men and women is on the rise in western countries. This is partly due to changes in dietary patterns and a generally unhealthy life-style. Many of the health risks are well known and can be prevented or treated: high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, excess fat in the blood, etc.
Every phase in the development of heart disease is described here, including early symptoms and testing. The authors give detailed information on the various existing forms of treatment, what to do in emergencies, different types of medication, undesirable secondary effects, and various surgical options (angioplasty, coronary stent).

Professor Jacques Caron is a cardiologist at the Cardiology Hospital of Lille. He specialises in clinical pharmacology and is the president of the national pharmaceutical vigilance commission for the Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé (Afssaps).
Professor Claude Théry is the head of intensive care in cardiology at the Cardiology Hospital of Lille. He is the president of the cardiology group of Afssaps and a member of the French commission that authorises medication to be marketed and sold