Architecture of the Normal and Remodeled Heart -- The Architecture of the Heart: Myocyte Organization and the Cardiac Extracellular Matrix -- Extracellular Matrix and Cardiac Remodeling -- Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Cardiac Extracellular Matrix: Regulation of Fibroblast Phenotype -- Pharmacology of G-Protein-linked Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts -- Diagnostic Tools for the Identification of Myocardial Fibrosis and Changes in Ventricular Mechanics -- Serum Markers of Fibrillar Collagen Metabolism in Cardiac Diseases -- Ultrasonic Characterization of the Myocardium -- The Mechanics of the Fibrosed/Remodeled Heart -- Pathophysiology of Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis -- Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System and Cardiac Extracellular Matrix -- Matrix Metalloproteinases and Myocardial Remodeling -- Cardiac Mast Cells as Mediators of Ventricular Remodeling -- Matrix Metalloproteinasses in Cardiac Remodeling -- Turmoil in the Cardiac Myocyte: Acute Intracellular Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases -- Regulation of Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Following Myocardial Infarction. -- Experimental Models of MMP Activation: Ventricular Volume Overload -- Prospect for Therapy of the Fibrosed Heart -- Targets for Pharmacological Modulation of Cardiac Fibrosis -- Biological and Functional Effects of Chronic Mechanical Support Induced by Left Ventricular Assist Devices on Failing Human Myocardium -- Molecular Strategies for the Prevention of Cardiac Fibrosis -- Prospects for Gene Therapy for the Fibrosed Heart: Targeting Regulators of Extracellular Matrix Turnover -- Therapeutic Potential of TIMPs in Heart Failure.Interstitial Fibrosis in Heart Failure, edited by Francisco J. Villarreal, M.D., Ph.D., provides a timely and integrative review of the basics of cardiac extracellular matrix structure. Topics covered include how cardiac remodeling influences its disposition, abundance and function; possible non-invasive techniques for diagnosis; and potential drug-based or molecular therapeutic strategies that may interrupt or even reverse the course of the development of cardiac fibrosis. This resource for both clinicians and scientists aims to cover state-of-the-art findings relevant to cellular and molecular processes underlying cardiac fibrosis including basic elements of structure, function, diagnosis and treatment.