Cardiovascular-Disease Books

I have long known we are fearfully and wonderfully made but now understand how true it is when reading this book and seeing how much goes into affecting our cholesterol. This book was informative and interesting.

I am very happy with the information in the book. I felt good when I took Janet's advice. I will be going to get a blood test for Cholesteral in November. I was on the diet but fell off of it while traveling for two weeks. I am back on it now. I felt a difference when I was not eating my high fiber. This is all doable. Not hard at all.

Dr. Brill brings us back to the basics. This is one of the best books I have ever read on the topic of lowering cholesterol naturally. Janet Brill is a dietitian who actually turned the tables on the approach to cholesterol; her ten steps are about things you SHOULD do, not about things you shouldn't do.

In August of this year, I started a strict diet and followed 8 out of the 10 recommendations mentioned in this book. This month (october) I had my cholesterol level checked. I was delighted to see that my total cholesterol dropped by 50 points! In addition, my triglycerides went down to an acceptable level as well. I plan to continue following the recommendations in this book and add the two that I had not been able to do (adding soy to my diet and plant sterols) in order to bring my LDL (bad cholesterol) down a little bit more. My doctor didn't think I could bring down my cholesterol this much without a drug, but I was determined to prove him wrong. I am so thankful to this author and her wonderful, easy to follow steps. It has saved my life.

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com

Book Review: Cholesterol Down by Dr. Janet Brill

Cholesterol Down is for the 105 million Americans who have high cholesterol. The author, Dr. Janet Brill, a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and certified wellness coach has spent years counseling patients on cardiovascular disease prevention, researching, and writing on the subject of cholesterol. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Obesity and the International Journal of Sport Nutrition.

Cholesterol Down provides readers with the information they need regarding cholesterol -- what it is and how it works both for and against the body. It is significantly endorsed by Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres, the National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association. She states, "The simple, consistent, and inexpensive lifestyle therapy outlined in her {Dr. Janet Brill's} Cholesterol Down Plan could be the most important investment you make in your future health." Dr. Brill explains LDL, the bad portion of cholesterol, and offers an effective combination therapy of foods, scientifically based, that are as effective as statins. Besides lowering LDL, the following ten-step program also offers further health benefits.

First, eat 1 cup of oatmeal every day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends three whole-grain servings daily. This is linked to reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, some cancers, lower blood pressure, and improved bowel movement. Oatmeal lowers LDL, may raise HDL--the good portion of cholesterol, and studies show that the more consumed, the greater the benefit.

Second, eat a handful of almonds daily, approximately 30. In addition to warding off heart disease, they also are particularly preventive toward colon cancer, and help with weight loss. The FDA, American Heart Association, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute all recommend eating almonds to lower heart disease risk, possibly by 50%.

Third, eat at least 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. Flaxseed has been shown to be preventative toward breast, colon, and prostate cancers, and is known to lower LDL cholesterol and aid in brain functioning.


Fourth, consume 3 grams of psyllium husk daily, gradually increasing to 10 grams. For the average consumer that means Metamucil. Dr. Brill states that psyllium husk, the active ingredient in Metamucil is "the most powerful LDL-lowering viscous soluble fiber in existence....For every 10 grams of total dietary fiber intake per day, risk of heart attack dropped by an estimated 14% and risk of dying from the disease by 27%." Metamucil also promotes digestion, moving toxins out of the body quickly.

Fifth, eat ½ cup of beans, peas, or lentils daily. Legumes help reduce blood pressure, provide minerals and vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Beans help fight obesity, diabetes, constipation, hemorrhoids, and various cancers--lung, colon, breast, esophagus, and stomach.

Sixth, eat an apple every day. Pectin, the soluble fiber within the apple lowers LDL cholesterol. Apples also help maintain a steady blood sugar level, aid in weight loss, provide nutrients, antioxidants, and tannins helpful with preventing urinary tract infections. The fruit is known to promote healthy lung function as well.

Seventh, consume 2-3 grams of phytosterols per day at two separate meals. This chapter is titled, "Step 7: Eat Margarine with Phytosterols." During the last twenty years we've been moving away from margarines. But recently, new healthier versions -- those without hydrogenated oils and now containing phytosterols, have arrived in the supermarket. The National Cholesterol Education Program asks Americans to eat 2-3 grams of phytosterols daily, to aid in cholesterol reduction by 6-15 percent. Phytosterols are also a protection against colon, breast, and prostate cancers. I highly recommend this chapter is thoroughly read by consumers to raise awareness of how their purchases affect their bodies. A small decision such as which type of margarine to use can yield significant results.

Eighth, eat 20-25 grams of soy protein every day -- also recommended by the U.S. government. This Dr. Brill says, does not include soy oil nor soy sauce. Soy consumption reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and various cancers. It promotes kidney function in diabetics, prevents osteoporosis, eases menopause symptoms, and possibly prevents male balding.

Ninth, eat a clove of fresh garlic and one Kyolic One Per Day Cardiovascular aged garlic extract supplement daily. Modern research reveals garlic's effectiveness against cholesterol. Garlic is also the food of history used for bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. Its phytochemicals work naturally against stomach, colon and larynx cancers. Further research shows positive results with garlic's use in possibly treating leukemia.

The last step of the Cholesterol Down Plan is to walk for 30 minutes every day. The American Heart Association regards the lack of physical activity as the biggest risk factor for heart disease. Exercise prevents diabetes, increases length of life, lowers LDL cholesterol, reduces risk of breast and colon cancers, prevents loss of muscle mass, reduces risk of senility, and will save you money when compared with those who are sedentary.

Dr. Brill provides a fresh approach to cholesterol reduction in her simple ten-step plan, freeing patients of undesirable prescription drug side effects. The book includes a daily checklist, a progress chart, meal plans, and recipes. Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks -- Without Prescription Drugs should be read by every person with high LDL cholesterol, or who is at risk of heart disease. An affordable paperback and a best-seller, it receives 5 Stars.

Into the Blue: A Father's Flight and a Daughter's Return
this was a great book. It's really scary from the perspective that it reinforces what we hear that we must take charge (or someone must do so on our behalf) of our healthcare options.

Into the Blue is a funny, touching, inspiring and educational ride that we all need to take to deal with what this life may hand us. Edsall and her sister did amazing work with their dad in a situation many of us have or will have to deal with. Buy multiple copies and send them to everyone you love.

This book is the fascinating story of two sisters and their dad who was suffering from a stroke. The sisters are determined to get him back to his airplane. In this book the author underlines the support a patient needs from his doctor for a fast and safe recovery. This book will definitely be a welcome read to any one suffered from a stroke.

After eliminating my coffee habit with the help of a wonderful coffee substitute made from soya beans called "Soyffee", I'm feeling so much better. My doctor recommended it to help lower my cholesterol and promote strong bones. It's available online at www.S o y c o f f e e.com.

I loved this book! The writing was so sharp and funny, and the story is heartwarming and hilarious, without being overly sentimental.

Susan Edsall does suggest you go off coffee slowly before you start the plan. This would minimize headaches during detox. I couldn't wait to get started so, of course, did it all at once and had the most horrible awful headache for 4 straight days. I finally broke down and had a 1/2 cup coffee one day instead of taking aspirin and that did the trick...for the moment.

You feel as if you've known the author and her family all your life after reading this book, and you really care about them.

OK, I'm humble enough to admit I was wrong. When one of my best friends, a Volvo-driving soccer mom if there ever was one, suggested that I read and PURCHASE "Into The Blue", I was skeptical at best. Scenario: author and sister rehabilitate stroke-afflicted father so he can - *gag* - fly again. Yet another "chick" book. Ho-hum.

So untrue. It's been a long, long while since I've been so entertained, overwhelmed, affected, whatever, by a memoir. Susan Edsall has a great gift for writing, and for viewing the world by crushing the rose colored glasses. If this were simply a novel about how our heroine pulls her dad back from the abyss, it'd probably sell a bazillion copies in the romance section. "Into The Blue" is not simple - not by a long shot.

First off, it should be required reading for every med student, neurology resident, or anyone who has contact with stroke victims. The start of Edsall's tale is pretty grim; not for what happened to her father, but for the reaction of the medical community to his plight - indifference, condescension, and that "oh well, that's what happens, nothing we can do" type of nonsense that we've all seen too well from supposed professionals who you'd think would have more insight and creativity to go with all that specialized education.

Love of a parent pushes the Edsall family into a series of tough decisions, but the neat part of this book is the places that they come to as a result of these mileposts. The author seems as surprised as the reader at times by the way in which her father's stroke and her family's actions cause her (and all of them) to reconnect in new and very meaningful fashion. Susan's descriptions of her relationships past and present with her mother, her husband and above all her sister Sharon are hysterical - and very moving. I could relate 80 percent of her patter to my own family, which was an experience both interesting and disturbing!

This is a tremendous piece of writing, worthy of wide distribution and discussion.

Having been on his program for 3 months I have normal numbers! I had been told that there was nothing more that they could do. I had 4 heart attacks with bypass surgery and stents put in to save my life. I went from an A1C of 12 down to 7.1 in three months with strick diet and many many supplements but it's working.I had been taking every diabetic pill and insulin known to man to no avail. My heart related tests are normal after being over by hundreds. They gave great advise you have to be in charge of your own health what works and doesn't. I am thankful and highly recommend the book.

For those of us who wish to be proactive in making decisions that directly impact our health and lives, Reverse Heart Disease Now by Dr. Stephen Sinatra and James Roberts contains the up-to-date scientifically supportable information we need. Every heart patient can benefit from the information provided in this book. After reading the book, I feel like I can discuss my condition and treatment with my doctor in confidence. With the veil of ignorance lifted, I can make better decisions about my health, my doctors and my treatments. Thank you Doctors Sinatra and Roberts.

Written by two cardiologists.By far the most informative book I've read so far on heart disease. It's an easy read, yet chucked full of information you need & must know. Unfortuneately when we see a doctor or cardiologist they focus solely on the symptom, they have little or no time to devote to prevention nor a cure. You'll be happy to know...as the book states you CAN stop deadly cardiovascular plaque before it's too late.

this was a decent book with a lot of good usuable information. It is a Must Read for anyone over 45 who has a poor diet and is over weight. It is written by medical doctors who are interested in healing the body-not just treating the symtoms. there are also many suppliments that they recommend that are available in most stores (unlike Kevin Trudeau who recommends product not even available in the U.S.)!! It was well worth the money and I strongly recommend it to any one who is concerned about heart disease.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Cardiac health.
Although I am a registered nurse and have a genuine interest as I have a heart condition, I think that anyone would find this book helpful.
The explanations are easy to understand and the advice is excellent. I have already been following much of what has been suggested but there were other areas that I didn't know about that were very helpful. My cardiologist advised me to read this as I don't want to use conventional medicine unless absolutely necessary, due to the side effects. I am really please with the results since I have followed this regime and so is my cardiologist. The heart is a muscle whose cells need feeding - if not we have inflamation leading to heart attacks and strokes etc
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in living a healthier life.

I love this textbook (as much as you can love a textbook). This is the bible for your cardiology block. I've read it cover to cover and think it's probably the best textbook (by far) I own. Not only does it provide information in a concise fashion, but it explains it very well too.

I am a first year medical student in the middle of my cardiac module and have really enjoyed using this book. It is easy to read, high yield, and very clinical. I would recommend this book to any student trying to really nail down cardiology.

If you are in medical school this book is the greatest thing you will ever buy. For our cardiology block I read this cover to cover and made the highest grade I have ever gotten on an exam.
Get it right now!!

I picked this book up at Barnes and Nobles while studying for the boards. It is excellent, both concise and thought provoking. My only regret is that the faculty and students have not written these books to cover every topic in medical school.

I read this book cover to cover for my cardio theme. It was clear and well written. I would recommend it highly to anyone in medical school who wants a clear easy read. It has all the detail you need to know, without extraneous material.

This book is truly informative and helpful. Reading it has empowered me to take steps to be able to live with the frighteneing diagnosis of heart failure. The suggestions given are practical and helpful. By reading the book, I was able to find support groups on line--most helpful. I heartily (pun intended!) recommend it for anyone who has been diagnosed with heart failure.

I bought this for my wife who has postpartum cardiomyopathy so we could really understand what the cardiologist was saying and doing. Prior to reading it we had been concerned that our cardiologist wasn't engaging us in many "standard" heart failure treatments that we had researched which might improve her daily quality of life. This book really helped my wife and I understand all the CHF jargon and, most importantly, what the heart meds do and how they are supposed to work in the body. Because of this book and other research we have engaged another cardiologist for a second opinion and learned that there are indeed other treatments and therapies available to us. Net Net - this book helps you engage in knowledgeable conversations with your doctor which is key to your survival and successful treatment.
4 stars only because I wish the author had expounded more on some of the topics.

I have been researching several pieces of literature and books regarding CHF.
This book was my first choice. I was not disappointed. The book was in pristine
condition and it was exactly what I was looking for. I was extremely pleased.

We learned a lot of useful information about medications and treatments, and what was happening to my husband's body. It gave him some hope when he needed it.

This book is an excellent resource for those suffering from heart failure or families trying to understand this disease. I highly recommend it for a resource if not reading it in its entirity. Chapter 11 on foods and salt intake is especially helpful if one has the determination to follow good advice! Success With Heart Failure: Help and Hope for Those Coping With Congestive Heart FailureThe book is so inexpensive that seems foolish not to buy it as a resource!

I had open heart surgery at 47 years of age and never had a heart attack. With my head spinning I entered cardiac rehab where I was introduced to "From the Heart." Kathy shares her personal journey with heart disease and snippets of the journeys traveled by other women of all ages, races and cultures. The reader can truly relate to the triumphs and challenges women with heart disease face each and every day. Filled with emotion, truth, struggles, options and resources this is a must read for all women living with heart disease, as well as those around them. The psychological benefits are truly therapeutic for the reader and the educational information is empowering. Written in understandable language this book will help you to live a healthy, happy and productive life with heart disease. Heart disease is a women's disease and you are not alone.

This book is a must read for those travelling the heart journey - meaning both the survivor and the caregiver. Heart disease never goes into remission and the roller coaster ride this #1 killer of women in this country plays, needs to be understood. This book brings knowledge, understanding and compassion to the reader. Although this book is great to keep for reference and re-read, DON'T pass it along to everyone you know and make this a chain-book - a must read!

Kathy Kastan's, From the Heart: A Guide to Living Well with Heart Disease,
brings awareness and understanding to women who are facing emotional challenges AND living well while in the process.

I wish this book had been available to me after my heart attack. I also live with the aftermath of 16 coronary artery stents and a quadruple bypass surgery. This book gives women with heart disease "peace of mind" and validates that you are not alone. While reading this book, you will catch yourself nodding and thinking, "This happened to me. That is where that feeling came from! Now I understand."

One of many messages emanating from this book is to take care of the mind-body-spirit connection: that it will promote healing and assist in living a healthy life. Every woman should be given this book before any heart procedure or surgery, to better understand what to expect emotionally and how to deal with their challenges.

Thank you, Kathy Kastan, for this wonderful book!

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. If you are a "survivor" like me or someone wanting/needing to provide compassionate support to a family member or friend, you want this book. Ms. Kastan provides facts, practical advice and emotional support. I constantly recommend this book to other survivors and health care professionals.

This book what not what I felt was a guide to living with heart disease. It gave me much more to worry about which I didn't need. And alot of the helpful information that is in this book you can get on the American Heart Association website. If you really want a great guide, read "TAKE A LOAD OFF YOUR HEART: 109 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT, HALT AND REVERSE HEART DISEASE by Joseph C. Piscatella. This books is Great! and has just about everything you need to know to help empower you and take control of your health and life.

I have never heard any of this information any where. This book is a must read. There is enough information here that makes a strong connection between calcium deposits, nanobacteria, and heart disease.

They do a great job in translating the terms for non medical people. Additionally, I would say that the relationship between the information presented and cancer represented about small percentage of the book, but the linkage is important and worth considering nevertheless.

I just finished reading an extraordinary book, The Calcium Bomb: The Nanobacteria Link to Heart Disease and Cancer. It also explains for the first time, the possible etiology and outline for a real treatment of my own ailment (which I know quite a bit about) ankloysing spondylitis. This is a work of excellent investigative scholarship and if its basic premise is true, namely that nanobacteria create calcium shells to protect themselves and can only be killed once they are unsheathed, then it may be one of the most important health books ever written. The relationship between nanobacteria and atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis is portrayed convincingly.

An interesting read on health but is it fact or fiction? Pretty scary if true as it is not main stream.

The book discusses how a newly discovered microorganism, nanobacteria, are responsible for the plaque that accumulates within our tissues as we age. Plaque buildup is what causes heart disease, and other circulatory issues. Beyond that it describes how the use of EDTA suppositories and the antibiotic tetracycline have been used remove plaque from arteries and restore health to many who would certainly die without this therapy.
There is some controversy in that nanobacteria are not currently scientifically accepted as being living organisms, and that they are not accepted as the cause of arterial plaque formation. The authors give compelling evidence that they are organisms and they do cause plaque formation. Beyond the scientific argument about nanobacteria, there is no debate that arterial plaque and calcification are major contributors to heart disease, and that EDTA chelation therapy can remove this plaque in many people. The book gives numerous examples of those who have been saved from this therapy, and it provides references to where this therapy can be obtained.
It does downplay the effectiveness of oral EDTA chelation, and it highly recommends the use of tetracycline. In that, it seems to favor a therapeutic regimen that is currently available through only one source, and at a premium price. I am trying to give useful information here rather than a simple review. I have researched this to quite an extent and believe that oral EDTA chelation is fairly effective, it is much easier to take, and it is a lot cheaper than the suppositories they recommend. Beyond that garlic and curcumin, are very safe and effective herbs that offer some anti-plaque benefits.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is very thoroughly researched and referenced. Currently the web site www.calcify.com simply displays a message stating that the authors are working on an updated version of the book. I will certainly buy it as soon as it's available. I am disappointed that this book is already out of print and that currently it is selling for such a premium price. If you suffer from life threatening heart disease then by all means buy it, it will be worth every penny to you. If you have more of a scientific interest then you may wish to wait for the updated version or research EDTA chelation therapy on the web.
I would prefer that the future version of the book focus more on methods of removing plaque from the body and less on the scientific debate over nanobacteria.

This book is the natural complement to "Calcification: the Aging Factor," by Mark Mayer. While these books are on the same subject, they are both very different in content. The Calcium Bomb is about nanobacteria; while "Calcification: the Aging Factor" talks about other factors that can contribute to calcifications.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM): Hypertension: The Revolutionary Nutrition and Lifestyle Program to Help Fight High Blood Pressure (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...)
I didn't feel like I was reading a typical reference book. It kept my interest and is easy for the average individual without a medical background to understand. Referenced studies are included, which I found especially beneficial as a health professional. Great book I highly recommend to anyone struggling to lower high blood pressure.

if you have high blood pressure get this book its a 10 ! knowledge is good for your health ! stay healthy ! go to saunna sweat you toxins!! and and excercise keep away from foods that have too much sodium like chinese food , can soups , processed foods ! eat natural and excercise and live to 100 !!!

I've used the Vaso-Guard therapy and it is working for me. The book is very comprehensive and I appreciate the holistic approach outlined.

I actually starting using the Dash diet and some of the supplements, not all. In a few days my blood pressure started to go down dramatically. It's amazing how much salt there is in everything. You really have to read labels and of course a lot more fruits and veggies!

All in all, very good reading. Nothing new here, just ties together all facets of controlling your high blood pressure: vitamins, supplements, exercise, diet and stress reduction. Presents a variety of programs and explains in detail how each can potentially lower and control hypertension. A good "how to" book to keep handy and refer to often. I have started the program and after only 3 weeks, my blood pressure has dropped. I plan to "wean" myself off the high blood pressure medication I am on now and go "totally natural".

An excellent book with good advice. Makes a wonderful gift to lady friends. Enjoyable and fun to read.

This little book packs a powerful punch of must know information. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Prevent or delay being a statistic. Have a glass of red wine, munch on some dark chocolate while enjoying this great book. Buy several and give as gifts to the special women in your life. Of course, don't forget to include a bottle of wine and chocolate!

I have spoken to many women who are ready to make changes in their lives, but need a strategy, and Deborah gives us a road map. Uncomplicated and fits in to most lifestyles.

I love this book because it is full of helpful information but is also well-organized and easy to read. It is organized into 100 practical tips that are easy to understand and implement. It is full of good advice, written by a woman to address the unique health issues of women.

As a heart patient and coordinator of support groups for other female heart patients, I love this book! Instead of dwelling on what we CAN'T have and what we MUST do, Debora Yost presents her 101 tips as gifts we can give to ourselves. Also, her research is sound and up-to-date, and I like the idea of incorporating one new tip into my life each week. If you have heart disease, get this book as a gift to yourself. If you know a woman with heart disease, buy it for her!

This is a must-have resource. Gorgeous illustrations, detailed descriptions and referenced by the leaders in the field.

it is amazing that such an authoritative text can actually be written. but there it is!. a masterpiece, which is so encompasing that words fail. braunwald has a tradition and every new edition is a towering giant over the previous.seeing is beleiving, thus i strongly recommend this text to any one wishing to perfect himself in any aspect of cardiology.

Dr. James Thogtam: A classic book for those in the field

WITH THE SEVENTH EDITION OF BRAUNwald's Heart Disease, the editors have accomplished an impressive feat: improving on an already classic text. With 36 new chapters and full-color figures and photographs, the new edition is substantially altered in both content and appearance. Compared with the rather limited color-plate photographs in the sixth edition, the color photographs, figures, and tables in each chapter significantly enhance the new text.

Informative chapters on the foundations of cardiovascular medicine remain, including detailed discussions of history taking, physical examination, and electrocardiography, topics often overshadowed in an era of rapidly progressive medical technology.....

The seventh edition of Braunwald's Heart Disease would be a worthy addition to the medical library of any practicing cardiologist, cardiology fellow, or health care practitioner with a special interest in heart disease.

THIS MASTERPIECE IN CARDIOLOGY BRINGS TO SPECIALISTS AND HEALTH PROVIDERS IN GENERAL THE APPROACH TO KNOWLEDGE FOR SUCCEDING IN THEIR TASKS.SINCE THE BASIC AND SIMPLE TO THE MOST COMPLEX UPDATED AWARENESS, THIS ENCYCLOPEDIA CONVEYS THE READER THROUGH THE RIGHT PATH, AS A DIDACTIC AND AMUSING STORY OF CARDIOLOGY.
RAUL M. MARCH MD

Anyone familiar with Dr. Braunwald's superb cardiovascular exploits in the "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" would not be surprised by the richness of this book.
The diligently crafted chapters are comprehensive, authoritative, well-illustrated, and include all the 'ins' and 'outs' of contemporary cardiology. It is one of the most consistent and coherent multi-authored texts in the field.
This single-volume CD-ROM package is a rich blend of evidence based medicine, best practice, and all the user-flexibility an e-book enthusiast would expect.