High Altitude Medicine and Physiology 4/edition

More than half a century has passed since man first stood on the summit of Mount Everest, and the story of man's attempts to climb higher and higher unaided is one of the more colourful and exciting in medicine and physiology. The past few decades have seen an explosion in the interest in mountain pursuits in general, as increasing numbers of people take to the mountains for day trips and longer excursions. As a result, doctors face ever expanding challenges in dealing with the changes in human physiology and particular medical conditions that arise from exposure to altitude and cold. Building on the success and reputation of previous editions the fourth edition includes major changes in the scientific content, with updates in many areas. The area of genetics has assumed great importance, along with other advances in molecular biology and medicine, and these are incorporated throughout the text. There are also new or improved sections on women and children at high altitude, the role of vascular endothelial growth factor, neurological disorders at high altitude, athletic training using high altitude, high altitude pulmonary edema, and the problems of patients with pre-existing disease. Other new features include summary boxes highlighting important concepts, and increased tabulation of key data for rapid reference. Despite the addition of new material, the authors have avoided the text become unwieldy and less readable with prudent pruning of existing material. High Altitude Medicine and Physiology remains invaluable reading for any doctor accompanying an expedition to altitude or advising patients on a visit to altitude, and for those physicians and physiologists who study our dependence on oxygen. The aim of the highly-respected authors, joined following the retirement of Michael Ward by Robert Schoene - to provide a text that will help physicians continue to improve the health and safety of all people who visit, live or work in the cold, thin air of high mountains - is undoubtedly met by this new edition. RECENSIONE ...an excellent book which stands as a landmark in the field... Thorax Here is a book that can truly be described as a definitive text The Lancet This magnificent, comprehensive textbook gives all the known answers to questions about what happens to man at altitude. The Alpine The readership should not be confined to those who specialize in the subject. For many people in medicine it will open doors to a better understanding of oxygen delivery. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine The new publishers, Arnold, have done a fine job with the production. The layout of the pages is significantly improved as a result of the larger format, and all references are moved to an appendix at the end of the book, which makes them easier to find. It is the most up to date text on the subject that is available today and with its sporty new cover, new sections and revised chapters it is worth the upgrade from the 2nd edition. Newsletter of International Society of Mountain Me Anyone with an interest in altitude medicine will be drawn to this volume by the attractive and intriguing cover photograph of Mt Kongur. Those turning open that striking cover will be rewarded with what must be regarded as the definitive textbook of high-altitude medicine. The most comprehensive work available on the subject. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine SINOSSI More than half a century has passed since man first stood on the summit of Mount Everest, and the story of man's attempts to climb higher and higher unaided is one of the more colourful and exciting in medicine and physiology. The past few decades have seen an explosion in the interest in mountain pursuits in general, as increasing numbers of people take to the mountains for day trips and longer excursions. As a result, doctors face ever expanding challenges in dealing with the changes in human physiology and particular medical conditions that arise from exposure to altitude and cold. Building on the success and reputation of previous editions the fourth edition includes major changes in the scientific content, with updates in many areas. The area of genetics has assumed great importance, along with other advances in molecular biology and medicine, and these are incorporated throughout the text. There are also new or improved sections on women and children at high altitude, the role of vascular endothelial growth factor, neurological disorders at high altitude, athletic training using high altitude, high altitude pulmonary edema, and the problems of patients with pre-existing disease. Other new features include summary boxes highlighting important concepts, and increased tabulation of key data for rapid reference. Despite the addition of new material, the authors have avoided the text become unwieldy and less readable with prudent pruning of existing material. High Altitude Medicine and Physiology remains invaluable reading for any doctor accompanying an expedition to altitude or advising patients on a visit to altitude, and for those physicians and physiologists who study our dependence on oxygen. The aim of the highly-respected authors, joined following the retirement of Michael Ward by Robert Schoene - to provide a text that will help physicians continue to improve the health and safety of all people who visit, live or work in the cold, thin air of high mountains - is undoubtedly met by this new edition. AUTORI John B. West MD PhD DSc FRCP FRACP, Professor of Medicine & Physiology, the School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA Robert B. Schoene MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, the School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA James S. Milledge Md FRCP, Formerly Consultant Respiratory Physician and Medical Director, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK