this latest volume in the basic science for the cardiologist book series is dedicated to the study of the physiological genomics of cardiovascular disease. it was inspired by the third amsterdam mouse symposium which showed the enormous strides that have been made in physiological genomics in recent years.the integrative nature of this field has its best clinical analogue in critical care medicine where the cardiovascular system, and the diagnosis and treatment of the different organ systems and their successful interaction lie central. physiological monitoring, mechanical ventilation, sedation and an integrative analysis all form part of the arsenal of the intensivist and also of the mouse physiologist.sections include the following: physiological monitoring of the mouse; cardiovascular pathophysiology of the mouse; and treating the critically ill mouse.