Each year more than 1.5 million people in the United States suffer a heart attack; about one-third of them die. Survivors of this frightening experience and their families seek reassurance and practical information to help them prevent another attack. The American Heart Association (AHA), the preeminent author of numerous consumer-oriented books, provides a guide to understanding what happens during a heart attack and what one can expect during recovery. This book is written in easy-to-read lay language and is geared to a general audience. The emphasis is on "taking stock and taking charge" for a complete and total recovery. The hospital experience is highlighted and surgical techniques explained along with nonsurgical interventions. Major risk factors, tips and encouragement for making serious lifestyle changes, and medications to prevent another attack are all covered. Personal vignettes are interwoven throughout the text to illustrate how various survivors have dealt with the heart attack experience. Though there is considerable overlap between this title and AHA's Your Heart: An Owner's Manual (Prentice-Hall, 1995), this book complements other AHA publications, including the Family Guide to Stroke Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention. Recommended for consumer health collections.
-?Sue Hollander, UIC Lib. of the Health Sciences, Rockford, Ill.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
Books designed to educate patients and their families run the risk of being patronizing or simplistic on the one hand and too technical on the other. This excellent book, which speaks to both men and women, neatly avoids the extremes as it explains what happens during a heart attack and what those who survive the ordeal must face. Medical terminology necessary to understanding the situation and dealing effectively with caregivers is thoroughly and clearly explained, often through analogies with everyday life experiences, and expected topics are covered--warning signs, risk factors, treatment options, medications. But there's much, much more, including a chapter demystifying the initial hospital experience, a good discussion of the emotional aftermath of a heart attack, and some exceptionally practical information to help patients ease back into a routine and handle the lifestyle changes necessary for guarding their health. Short patient profiles add a welcome personal feel to the facts. Stephanie Zvirin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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