The latest developments in molecular biology have broadened our understanding of the pathogenesis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). In this book, written by well-known experts, a comprehensive overview of IDC is given, including basic cellular and molecular concepts, virology, immunology, cardiac receptors and ionic channels, contractility abnormalities, microcirculation, and oxygen supply in cardiac hypertrophy. Details on basic research are supplemented by results of new clinical trials in IDC and the latest data on the epidemiology of the disease. For those who are interested in the disease, the book summarizes progress in all major fields.