From the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Living Well with Heart Disease

Okay, so the From the Heart, by Kathy Kastan, was written by a woman for women. Got it. I bought this book for the public library that I manage. When it arrived I started to give it the once over that I give many of the books that arrive here. This one I ended up taking to my office and I haven't given it to the staff to process yet. I will, but not before I jot this note about this wonderful book. Yes, many of the topics in the book are written with women in mind. However, the common sense advice that is contained in From the Heart would benefit most men. I found the shadowed areas to be really helpful. Like text books that use graphics and illustrations to condense a lot of information in as small a space as possible, From the Heart uses the same approach. It allows the reader to be exposed to a lot of information quickly. But read the text; there's great information there also. Well written, and very well researched I can highly recommend From the Heart. And men with heart disease should check this one out also.

Since all my heart events I have read scores of books on women and heart disease. (Fortunately there ARE such books now as opposed to sev. yrs. ago when NO information could be found). But this book by Kathy Kastan absolutely says it ALL! One of the worst parts of heart disease is the aftermath--coming home from the hospital feeling totally isolated, without information, and wondering if you'll ever be normal again...And what IS normal? "No clue", if you're like most women after heart problems. Kathy's book addresses all those issues that you need IMMEDIATELY! (Hospitals might just skip all those discharge papers and 'pats on the head'...just issue this book when folks go home.) If I had to use one word to sum up the value of this book, I'd have to say PRACTICAL....imminently practical!!! I did not get 1/3 of the way through before I started over with yellow highlighter in hand. I'd thought after nearly 3 yrs and lots of study, that I had a handle on my new normal. But I got no farther than that "wunnerful" practical list on page 7 before I adopted even more 'new' practices--things that will help me thrive with this disease that afflicts 8 million of us U.S. women. Even if you don't have heart disease, get this book for someone you know and love whose heart will be helped because of it. Thanks Kathy.. Tina Bradford...Mississippi

Kathy Kastan's book is exactly what it says it is, "A Woman's Guide to Living Well with Heart Disease". As a woman living with heart disease myself I love this book, it's exactly what I've been looking for and believe me I've read every book on heart disease I can get my hands on. This one is special because the author herself is "living well with heart disease". One of the great things about this book is the way the author has organized it in sections starting with what happens after you have a heart event to living in the real world as a woman with heart disease. The mark of a book someone really values is one they keep close by, like on their coffee table which is where you'll find my copy of "From The Heart", so they can come back and read whatever section they need whenever they need it. Thank you Kathy, you've given everyone who's been touched by women's heart disease a very special gift.

When I had my heart event 11 years ago there was no information for women. Reading this book brought me to tears, how I wish I had this book years ago.As a survivor Kathy gets to the "heart" of the matter. Not only has she shared her story she has included other women's stories. This book should be in every cardiologist office and in hospitals and medical schools. Thank you so much Kathy, everyone should read this book!!!! From my heart to yours, Debbie from New York

"From The Heart" by Kathy Kastan, arrived today. This book brought tears of what the author and so many women have had to endure, battling heart disease. The author focuses on the steps of dealing with heart disease. From, the diagnosis (often delayed) to the shock, to denial, to healing both physically and emotionally and learning to live well with heart disease. This book is a must for all women suffering with heart problems, those who love them and for physicians who treat these women. Thank You, Ms. Kastan for "From the Heart, A Woman's Guide to Living Well with Heart Disease". HD stalks all ages, races and creeds. It shows no mercy but we will prevail and win the war on heart disease in women. God Bless You. Mary Rose Sugar Land,Texas