Review of Heaart Stories

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Heaart Stories" by Robert G Hauser MD.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Heart Stories by Robert G Hauser MD. is a recollection of a long career in cardiology. The author describes an array of patients and how advancements in cardiology throughout the 20th century have changed the goalposts for heart disease prognosis. Adult readers interested in cardiology and medical history will find this book fascinating and educational.

The author has been a cardiologist for 4 decades and recounts his first day of work as an intern in cardiac surgery. This first 30-hour shift began a career where life outside the hospital became a pitstop, and the passion for helping cardiac patients and spearheading medical advances started. Between 1945 and 1970, there were spectacular advances in heart surgery and by 1970, 5 pillars of surgery had evolved that changed the outlook for many cardiac patients. Artificial heart valve replacement, coronary artery bypass, repair of complex congenital disease, and permanent pacemaker implantation changed outcomes for patients who previously would have received only palliative care if they made it to a hospital. These groundbreaking therapies propelled medical advancements, and pioneers in cardiology worked tirelessly to solve complicated issues. Valve replacements required open heart surgery and were prone to thrombus, causing additional risk to patients. Advancements in angioplasty gave way to transcatheter valve replacements. Later, porcine and bovine valves solved clotting issues. Angioplasty became the first line of defence for acute myocardial infarction, with stenting of coronary arteries yielding great results in the management of ischaemic heart disease. Complicated congenital cardiac abnormalities are managed better by surgical advancements. Specialised imaging such as echocardiography, CT, MRI, and transoesophageal echoes enable accurate diagnosis. Patients with previously poor outcomes now have resources and options from years of research and innovation.

I found this book fascinating. Many interventions, surgeries and therapies for cardiac complaints are instrumental and necessary for increasing life expectancy and preventing sudden cardiac death. It is easy to take for granted all the available medical management. This historical account reminds us of the progress in recent history. Many cardiac complaints resulted in a dire diagnosis until pioneers and visionaries in the cardiac world researched and developed various diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Many patient stories give the reader an insight into how cardiology has evolved, improving outcomes. As in life, not all patient accounts result in a happy ending, but this sample of patients represents the reality of heart disease.

The author has included many examples of cardiac disease, giving the reader a great understanding of the spectrum of cardiology. Ischaemia, cardiomyopathy, congenital abnormalities, arrhythmias, and aortic aneurysms are some of them, and all are described clearly and understandably for readers who may be unfamiliar with this subject. The author explains how the heart functions and its anatomy. The book is educational as it gives readers an overview of cardiology and will appeal to healthcare professionals.

I enjoyed the personal stories of the patients. I found it captivating to learn about their lives and backstories and how their cardiac problems affected them. Cardiac issues can be silent and unexpected and can have a substantial impact. The book reminds us that genetics, lifestyle, and other medical conditions can increase our risk. Prevention by limiting risk factors is imperative, and researchers advocate a whole-body approach to health. It is sobering to learn that stress can be the cause of a cardiomyopathy called Takotsubo syndrome. The book brilliantly explains the scope of cardiology and how a multidisciplinary approach to patients is the key to success.

The book is professionally edited. I loved this book. I particularly liked learning about the different cardiac conditions and the sample of patients included. Learning about the history of cardiac advancements was incredible. I hadn’t realised how bleak a prognosis would be without modern technologies, devices, and surgeries. I enjoyed learning about the doctors and scientists who propelled cardiology by developing life-saving medical devices and groundbreaking medical procedures. I found nothing to dislike about this book, so I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Heaart Stories
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[Louis Donald]

The historical account of cardiology and its evolution sounds really interesting, especially with the patient stories woven in. I’m not sure I’ll read it, but I do find the medical advancements mentioned compelling.

[Pearl Flourish]

“Heart Stories” by Dr. Robert G. Hauser offers a compelling journey through the evolution of cardiology, blending patient narratives with medical advancements. The book highlights significant progress in heart disease treatment, such as the development of artificial heart valves and coronary artery bypass surgery, which have dramatically improved patient outcomes. Dr. Hauser’s personal experiences provide an authentic perspective on the dedication required in this field. The inclusion of patient stories not only humanizes the medical content but also underscores the real-world impact of these advancements. For those interested in the history and progression of cardiac care, this book serves as an enlightening resource.