Main description:

Heart disease kills causes almost one in four of all deaths in the United States, and is the leading cause of death in both men and women. In the UK, the figures are similar. But there are things we can do to look after our hearts, and to ensure that we are not one of those who die prematurely. Looking after ourselves not only makes us feel better, it means we live longer. In this comprehensive introduction, GP Simon Atkins looks at the heart, how it works, and what the common malfunctions are, covering the common symptoms, causes, specific investigations, treatment and outlook. This book will help you give your heart the best chance of carrying on beating for many years to come.

Contents:

Contents:

Introduction 7
1 How your heart works 10
2 Common symptoms 17
3 Checking out your heart 23
4 Chest pain 33
5 Trouble with valves 49
6 Electrical problems (arrhythmias) 58
7 When the muscle malfunctions 69
8 High blood pressure (hypertension) 75
9 Looking after your heart 87
10 Living with heart disease 99
Appendix: Further sources of advice
and information 106