exploring the State of the Heart – a book review

Since my blog’s tag line is “exploring the HEART of health”, I couldn’t pass up the chance to read a book about exploring the heart.

State of the Heart by cardiologist Dr. Haider Warraich explores the history, science, and future of cardiac disease.

Most people recognize the seriousness of heart disease and want to know how to maintain heart health, it’s hard to believe that in ancient times people did not consider the heart a vital organ. The liver was revered as the driving force of circulation responsible for maintaining life. Even now, the heart is sometimes thought of as just a pump and not the complex organ that it is.

Dr. Warraich weaves the heart’s story with threads of medical history, explanations of basic cardiac anatomy and physiology, and stories about real patients he has treated for a variety of heart conditions.

• The congestive heart failure patient who didn’t know he had heart failure
• The woman who had a heart attack but whose coronary arteries were clear
• The man who needed a heart transplant to stay alive but couldn’t afford the anti-rejection drugs
• The man who couldn’t die until his mechanical heart (LVAD) was turned off

the heart and COVID-19

Dr. Warraich explains why coronavirus is especially threatening for people with heart disease.

“Of COVID-19 patients who develop serious heart complications, most don’t see this problem until late in the disease’s progression. However, some are turning up with extensive heart inflammation at the outset.”

Dr. Haider, The Washington Post

Dr. Haider reports that 59% of COVID-19 patients who died had heart damage vs. only 1% of survivors, reminding us that heart disease is still the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S.

“heart disease is not ready to give up that distinction any time soon. With the right precautions and with heightened vigilance, we can try to ensure that COVID-19 doesn’t help increase that toll.”

advances and stumbles in the medical treatment of heart disease.

Our brain controls the actions of the body’s other organs, but the heart supplies the power that keeps everything working smoothly, including the brain. Using the intricate “highway” system of arteries and veins, the heart pumps blood carrying oxygen, water, and nutrients to every cell in the body. Learn more in this post.

Although we use the term HEART DISEASE , there are many diseases that involve the heart.  HEART conditions affect people from birth to death. Find out more in this post.

Our modern lifestyles are particularly harsh on the heart-our diets, our lack of exercise, and the stress we expose ourselves to-

Dr. Warraich in State of the Heart

Health is a lifelong expedition

Thanks for joining me to explore the heart, heart disease, and this new book by Dr. Warraich. Find it at your local public library or consider purchasing at one of these affiliate links which help me fund this blog.

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