Books on Stroke and Heart Disease

At the age of 37 Andy McCann was physically fit, strong and in good health. Then, mid-way through instructing his weekly martial arts class, he experienced a stroke and was rushed to hospital. Until then, the word `stroke' had meant little to Andy, and in this book he recounts the many difficulties in learning to live with his new situation. Funny, poignant and informative, the book is not just a personal story, but also offers a wealth of advice and information for anyone who wants to know more about strokes. He explores a broad range of issues experienced by stroke survivors, from the very practical considerations of managing financial security and understanding medical approaches and terminology to the more personal challenges of coming to terms with a new sense of vulnerability and dealing with the attitudes of friends and family. The common thread throughout is Andy's insistence that he will not be a `stroke victim' but a `stroke survivor', determined to live with his new set of circumstances in a positive way. This book is a compelling yet practical source of information that will be valued by professionals and patients alike - whether a fellow stroke survivor, a concerned family member or a health or social care professional working with stroke victims.

The physical effects of a stroke are often the most obvious, and hospitals can offer medication and therapy to help alleviate them. However, the psychological consequences of having a stroke, such as memory problems or depression are often ignored. Includes the voices of stroke survivors and their carers, this book provides learning tools and practical guidance to aid in recovery from the psychological effects of a stroke. With insight from many people who have experienced a stroke, this book focuses on what stroke survivors can do, rather than what they cannot. Using exercises, such as mindfulness techniques, to help move towards an acceptance of the long-term side effects, this book delivers a positive message to help survivors of strokes live a better and happier life.

As a psychologist specialising in court assessments, David Roland often saw the toughest, most heartbreaking cases. The emotional trauma had begun to take its toll -- and then the global financial crisis hit, leaving his family facing financial ruin. So when he found himself in a local emergency ward with little idea of where he was or how he got there, doctors wondered if he had had a nervous breakdown -- if the strain of treating individuals with mental-health problems had become too much. Eventually they discovered the truth: David had suffered a stroke, which had resulted in brain injury. He faced two choices: give up or get his brain working again. Drawing on the principles of neuroplasticity, David set about re-wiring his brain. Embarking on a search that brought him into contact with doctors, neuroscientists, yoga teachers, musicians, and a Buddhist nun, he found the tools to restore his sense of self: psychotherapy, exercise, music, mindfulness, and meditation. How I Rescued My Brain is the story of David's neurological difficulties and his remarkable cognitive recovery. It is also an account of a journey to emotional health and wellbeing. In the tradition of Marc Lewis's Memoirs of an Addicted Brain and Jill Bolte Taylor's My Stroke of Insight, this is an amazing tale of one man's resilience, and his determination to overcome one of the most frightening situations imaginable -- the fear that he had lost his mind, and might not get it back.

Unchecked, high blood pressure markedly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. The author shows that high blood pressure can be prevented and controlled without the use of drugs. He provides guidance for combating the problem, including both general information and recipes, which offer genuine health improvement.

Chest pain can be terrifying. Many people hope that if they ignore it, it will go away. But angina must be taken seriously, and it is very important to find out what you can about it. The book answers the key questions for anyone worried about angina: What should I do when I have chest pain? Does it mean I'm going to have a heart attack? How do I tell if it's serious? This new edition of Living with Angina makes the links between smoking, passive smoking, and heart health plainer than ever. It also highlights the importance of keeping up your medication in order to help prevent heart attack. Doctors are now taking angina-related depression more seriously, and the book includes up to date information on this as well.

It is estimated that there are up to 30 strokes every minute throughout the world.* A stroke can be fatal or disabling, while others are purely temporary with a recovery time of less than 24 hours. Whatever the case, a stroke is always serious and as well as having physical and mental consequences for the sufferer, it can also have a significant effect on other family members. This book gives the basic information needed to understand what a stroke is, how to spot the risk factors that may contribute to a stroke, and how to take steps to deal with the repercussions, including details on: * What happens in a stroke * The different types of stroke * Stroke recovery and rehabilitation * Medication and aids and equipment for independent living AUTHOR: Dr Keith Souter is a doctor, medical writer and novelist with a holistic medical practice in Yorkshire. Over the past twenty-five years he has contributed many articles to professional and lay journals. *Source: World Stroke Campaign

Coronary heart disease is now the leading cause of death worldwide.* The effects of coronary heart disease include angina, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, and most importantly, heart attacks. Heart disease has a serious effect on the lives of not only its sufferers, but also those who care for them, their family and friends. This book gives the basic information needed to understand coronary artery disease and, most essentially, how to deal with it, including details on: How the heart works Problems caused by coronary heart disease Recovering from a heart attack and dealing with angina or heart failure Lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health. *Source: World Health Organization

Meet Fred - a man who has had a stroke. Fred invites readers to learn about what it is like to have a stroke from his perspective, helping them to understand the challenges faced by someone who has had a stroke and the ways in which they might have to adapt their lifestyle. He also gives advice on how to offer support to someone who has had a stroke, from diagnosis through to rehabilitation. With illustrations throughout, this useful book will be ideal for anyone who knows someone who has had a stroke, from child to adult. It will help readers to understand and explain what a stroke is and encourage open discussion among family members, carers and friends.