Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, presenting a persistant global health challenge. De- spite remarkable advancements in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic in- terventions that have significantly enhanced various aspects of cardiac pa- thologies, substantial “gray areas” persist within cardiology. The precise etiology of ‘some forms’ of common and devastating conditions, includ- ing coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and various arrhythmias, often remains enigmatic, hindering optimal patient manage- ment and the development of truly transformative treatments.

At this critical juncture, we recognized an urgent need to bridge these knowledge gaps by creating a unique and comprehensive resource dedi- cated to one such overlooked yet profoundly important component of the heart’s intricate circulatory network: the coronary venous system. While arterial circulation has been extensively studied and documented, the equally vital venous drainage of the myocardium has, until now, largely remained an unclarified domain. This oversight has contributed to a lim- ited understanding of its role in both physiological function and patho- logical states.This book aims to rectify this imbalance. We embark on a journey that begins with the embryological development of the coronary venous system, tracing its formation from initial cellular differentiation to its complex mature architecture. Building upon this foundational under- standing, the text systematically explores the vast spectrum of anatomical variations and anomalies that can occur within this system, drawing upon a meticulous review of scattered literature and case reports. Furthermore, a part of this book is dedicated to elucidating the diverse diseases and clin- ical implications associated with the coronary veins, providing insights into their involvement in conditions ranging from myocardial ischemia to the development of heart failure and arrhythmogenesis.

We believe this volume will serve as an indispensable reference for cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, basic scientists, medical students, and all healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of cardiac circulation beyond the arterial perspective. By consolidating frag- mented knowledge and presenting it in a coherent, comprehensive man- ner, we hope to stimulate further research, enhance diagnostic precision, and ultimately contribute to improved therapeutic strategies for patients afflicted with cardiovascular diseases.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all contributing authors whose ex- pertise, dedication, and meticulous efforts have made this ambitious proj- ect a reality. Their collective insights have transformed our vision into this unique and invaluable resource.

Sincerely,

Editorial Board