The editors have placed significant emphasis on conveying succinctly how this knowledge informs both the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. There are 11 sections covering 140 chapters written by around 250 renowned authors, including 1,000 figures and 400 tables and all the content has been colourfully and digitally enhanced with particular attention to the importance of using appropriate guidelines in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases. A topic on the latest practice impacting trials has also been incorporated in a dedicated chapter on landmark trials. The editors would like to highlight several exciting changes with a new addition of knowledge on genetics and a section on cardiac oncology.