Advances in molecular biology, imaging technology, structural analysis and computational modelling over the past decade have given us new insights to understanding the molecular mechanisms of the heart muscle contraction and its regulation. New information has also been provided which provides understanding of how mutations affect the heart function. This is coupled with how molecular level changes in protein structure change and function, can be manifested through structural scales from protein to organelles to cells, tissue and the whole organ.

This book is intended for students with career aspirations and paths in health care, scientists, clinicians, clinician investigators (nurses and physical therapists). The information in this book will provide them with a fundamental and integrative understanding of cardiovascular function, and how function at the smallest level (molecular/nanometer) affect higher levels of organization, structure and function. This will provide the basis for the understanding of diseases that are initiated and precipitated by disease causing mutations, that directly effect heart function.