Book excerpt: Taking the reader from an understanding of the basic mechanisms of heart failure through to an appreciation of the complexities of heart failure management and the remarkable improvements possible with good treatment, the Oxford Textbook of Heart Failure 2e covers all aspects necessary to manage a patient with heart failure. In full colour throughout, containing over 300 illustrations, and supported by detailed referencing from the huge evidence base that has developed over the last two decades, the textbook also includes extensive chapters on common co-morbidities. The new edition has been completely updated in line with new British and European Guidelines and contains new chapters on; Natriuretic Peptides and Novel Biomarkers in Heart Failure, The Future of Heart Failure, and Regenerative Therapies. Essential reading for consultant cardiologists and those in training, general physicians and those caring of the elderly, cardiothoracic surgeons, primary care doctors, pharmacists, and specialist nurses.