The electrocardiogram (ECG), chest skiagram (X-Ray) and echocardiogram (ECHO) are simple yet informative diagnostic modalities that have withstood the test of time. They elegantly complement the information gathered from medical history and physical examination and they are cost-effective investigations in resource sensitive settings. Moreover, since the equipment for these tests are portable, the tests can be conveniently performed at the patient's bedside and the results interpreted in the light of clinical data.

I must compliment Dr Luthra for this brilliant and unique title Tips and Tricks of Bedside Cardiology. He has elegantly compiled a wide variety of real-world clinical situations encountered during the course of cardiology practice. The discussion and clinical pearls after each case description are really worth appreciating. Cardiology students preparing for their examinations, resident doctors and paramedical staff working in cardiac-care units as well as non-cardiologist physicians dealing with heart patients are most likely to benefit from this book.

I wish Atul and his excellent book all success.

It gives me immense pleasure to present Tips and Tricks of Bedside Cardiology, a harmonious blend of the time-honored clinical approach with the modern technical approach, towards the diagnosis of heart disease. The book is formatted as clinical cases, giving the reader an opportunity to mentally construct a plausible diagnosis from symptoms and signs. Illustrations of electrocardiograms, chest radiographs and echocardiograms that follow, aid in clinching the diagnosis. Each case description is followed by a discussion which incorporates the differential diagnosis in that particular patient. The clinical pearls given at the end provide the key ‘take-home’ messages.

It has been my endeavor to incorporate most cardiac diseases encountered in heart-clinics and ward-rounds but there may be some omissions. While avoiding case duplication to the extent possible, some clinically important facts may have been emphasized repeatedly. I sincerely hope that the wealth of clinical material presented in a concise, readable and assimilable form will rekindle the romance between the clinician and clinical cardiology. These tips and tricks should benefit students undergoing training in cardiology and preparing for examinations as much as they would interest clinicians involved in the care of heart patients.