Jan J. Kellermann – författare

The aim of the 2nd Course of the International School of Cardi­ ology at "Ettore Majorana" was the discussion, scientific analysis, and critical appraisal of primary and secondary prevention in cardi­ ology, especially concerning the coronary artery disease. The predictive value of different risk factors, the problem of heredity, sociological and psychological perspectives, the impact of antiarrhythmic therapy, and the prevention of sudden death were only some of the many topics discussed. Others, such as physical activity in primary and secondary prevention, the role of coronary bypass surgery in decreasing the mortality rate, the effects of drugs and comprehensive intervention programmes, as well as a critical appraisal of therapy in cardiac failure were given special attention. In organizing this second Course, it was again a privilege and a challenge for the programme directors to conduct a scientific event which, as was demonstrated at the first course, represented an original and new approach to teaching. The illustrious international faculty, composed of well known scientists and experts in their fields, has contributed to the high academic level and quality of the lectures and the following discussions. In our opinion, this successful undertaking would not have achieved its purpose and originality without the beautiful surround­ ing scenery and tranquility of Erice. We should like to express our gratitude to the director of the Centre, Prof. Zichichi, and the Secretary of "Ettore Majorana," Dr.

The aim of the 2nd Course of the International School of Cardi­ ology at "Ettore Majorana" was the discussion, scientific analysis, and critical appraisal of primary and secondary prevention in cardi­ ology, especially concerning the coronary artery disease. The predictive value of different risk factors, the problem of heredity, sociological and psychological perspectives, the impact of antiarrhythmic therapy, and the prevention of sudden death were only some of the many topics discussed. Others, such as physical activity in primary and secondary prevention, the role of coronary bypass surgery in decreasing the mortality rate, the effects of drugs and comprehensive intervention programmes, as well as a critical appraisal of therapy in cardiac failure were given special attention. In organizing this second Course, it was again a privilege and a challenge for the programme directors to conduct a scientific event which, as was demonstrated at the first course, represented an original and new approach to teaching. The illustrious international faculty, composed of well known scientists and experts in their fields, has contributed to the high academic level and quality of the lectures and the following discussions. In our opinion, this successful undertaking would not have achieved its purpose and originality without the beautiful surround­ ing scenery and tranquility of Erice. We should like to express our gratitude to the director of the Centre, Prof. Zichichi, and the Secretary of "Ettore Majorana," Dr.

This is the 3rd Course that has been organized at the presti­ gious E. Majorana Centre. The choice of the theme is not a casual one. In fact after rehabilitation and prevention which were the topics discussed in the previous courses of 1979 and 1982, this Course deals with subjects more deeply connected with the mechanisms of cardiac function and the pathological aspects that under this point of view characterize many specific diseases. The rapid development in the application of technology to the problems of Cardiological diagnosis has made it possible to study ventricular function in the evaluation of patients with apparent or suspected heart disease. Knowing that we are facing one of the most complex subjects in modern cardiology we wish to arouse the interest of researchers anrl cardiologists by comparing different experiences with the aim of giving an overall survey of the problems. The program has been divided into 4 chapters: 1. Systolic and diastolic ventricular function. 2. Specific studies of ventricular function using invasive and non­ invasive techniques. 3. Diseases with altered ventricular function. 4. Pharmacological manipulation of ventricular function. Our aim is not only to stimulate useful discussions in the faculty but also among the participants. I hope that we can achieve this. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the co­ directors of the Course Prof. Jan Kellermann and Prof. Robert v vi PREFACE Leachman who have played an important part in the scientific organization.