The heart and lung are intricately linked. Pulmonary heart disease is by definition a condition when the lungs cause the heart to fail. The right ventricle (and structures of the "right heart") pumps blood to the lungs where it is oxygenated and returned to the left heart for distribution.

This comprehensive book describes  the structure, function and imaging of the normal right heart both at rest and under the stresses of high altitude and exercise. It continues with a detailed examination of the pathophysiology and pathobiology of right heart dysfunction, both in experimental models and human disease, including congenital heart disease. Right heart dysfunction caused by pulmonary hypertension is discussed in particular detail.

 

The Right Heart brings together a distinguished group of contributors to discuss the advances in the topic that have occurred over the last few years and provides a concise and up-to-date resource for clinicians By compiling this comprehensive state-of-the-art text on the subject, the Editors have created an indispensable reference for future work by those interested in the cardiopulmonary circuit. This book will appeal to respiratory physicians, cardiologists and intensivists, all of whom will share the Editors' belief that the right heart is fundamental to integrated cardiopulmonary performance.

From the book reviews:

"This is an introduction to the clinical phenotypes of normal and abnormal right ventricular function. ? The audience includes physicians in training, practicing clinicians, and researchers who require a detailed understanding of the right heart. ? This is a well-structured, comprehensive, and well-illustrated reference for any clinician or researcher interested in pulmonary hypertension or right heart dysfunction." (Alban De Schutter, Doody's Book Reviews, August, 2014)