The Human Heart: A Basic Guide to Heart Disease

The Human Heart: A Basic Guide to Heart Disease 2nd Edition By: Brendan Phibbs MD Wolters Kluwer/ Lippincott Williams and Wilkins There has been a growing need for jargon-free medical literature which is both easily comprehended and accessible to the non-expert. In part, this need has arisen over the past several decades in response to the increased recognition of patients as equal partners in healthcare decisions. However, medical students and professionals can also benefit from clearly written texts without extraneous detail or use of esoteric terminology as they are often presented with vast amounts of material to learn in a short time. As a rule, we would expect any single resource, no matter how well written, to fail in serving both audiences effectively. The Human Heart: A Basic Guide to Heart Disease 2nd Edition is a notable exception. Brendan Phibbs has created a resource that distills the core knowledge of cardiology into highly readable chapters with simple diagrammatic aids to ensure understanding. Each chapter is short and concise. For example, the opening chapters which cover the basic structure of the heart are written from a functional perspective without extensive anatomical detail. The majority of the book is devoted to cardiac pathophysiology and diagnostic techniques. For a reference that is little over 200 pages in length, there is an admirable amount of practical information on topics ranging from pharmaceutical therapy options for coronary artery disease to the latest information on arrhythmia management. Of great importance to the lay reader is a presentation of the most effective method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation developed by colleagues of the author. This method differs fundamentally from prior standards but the rationale for the changes that are advocated is clearly set forth. The author's years of experience as a clinician and teacher show throughout the book. One can imagine the text developing from a long list of "frequently asked questions" posed by his patients and students. The text also reflects a deep understanding of how to avoid confusion while explaining complex physiological processes. The book uses terms to which nearly any reader can relate. This makes it an excellent primer on heart disease for medical personnel as well as comprehensive reference guide for patients who want to be better informed about their disease and treatment. Reviewed by: Joseph V. Russo, M.S.

This book makes learning about heart easier to understand in more practical terms than so other books out there

My spouse is a heart patient and I've been trying to find meaningful explanations of what's going on. I am not a medical professional. I had purchased another book (Cardiovascular Care Made Incredibly Easy, 2nd Ed) that went mostly over my head. This book explains basic heart function, disease, and treatment (including specific medications) in terms that anybody can understand. It has exceeded my expectations.

I purchased this book to aid in understanding the ailments of the human heart. I found the book to be very helpful as it is written in terms that the average person can understand.

I had an opportunity to purchase and read Dr. Phibbs' latest text, "The Human Heart: A Basic Guide to Heart Disease," about a year ago. I was impressed with the breadth of the commentary and the organization of the material. I work in the pharmaceutical industry and I read many technical and instructive materials. Dr. Phibbs' explanations and diagrams were pristine and useful and had helped me to broaden my cardiovascular vocabulary to discuss cardiac complications more clearly. I have recommended this book to others in the industry.