Heart failurethe expression alone is scary. The idea that the blood-pumping organ in our chest can struggle, stutter, or suddenly stop is deeply disconcerting. But for those who get the diagnosis, the future is not necessarily bleak. With the right treatments and a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and good nutrition, many people with heart failure can improve their condition and live well.
Heart failure expert Edward K. Kasper, M.D., teams with journalistand survivorMary Knudson to give readers an honest account of this misunderstood condition. The authors explain the complex science of heart failure and look critically at the care available.
Living Well with Heart Failure, the Misnamed, Misunderstood Condition will help readers understand:
The causes of the condition
Normal and abnormal heart rhythms
How to recognize symptoms and when to seek treatment
Which diagnostic tests to expect
The best treatments for different types of heart failure
How pacemakers work
The advantages and disadvantages of implantable cardioverter defibrillators
How to be safer in a hospital
What exercises result in increased heart, leg, arm, and core body strength
What foods to eat and what to avoid
Informed by the shared knowledge of doctor and patient, those diagnosed with heart failure and their loved ones will learn how to effectively manage the condition in this comprehensive and compassionate guide.
