K+ Channels in Cardiovascular Medicine

Recent years have seen dramatic advances in the understan- ding of the roles played by K+ channels in cell function, together with the development of many drugs targeted on K+ channels that enable these funtions to be modified in speci- fic ways. K+ channels have therefore moved on from being the almost exclusive preserve of the cellular electrophysiolo- gist to a position where the appreciation of their functions and pharmacology is becoming important for many aspects of medical research and practice. In contrast, the literature on K+ channels has often remained relatively obscure for the non-specialist. This book was conceived from the belief that there was a need for an accessible and comprehensive appro- ach to the properties, functions, and pharmacology of K+ channels in the heart and vascular muscle. The book is a compilation of review articles written by experts from both the medical and scientific communities. Each chapter aims to provide a clear summary of the most up-to-date concepts, avoiding jargon and over-complicated discussions. In this way we hope the book will provide the background for under- standing future developments in this important and fast- changing field.