Abstract

This new book, written for people who wish to take an active interest in their health, explains how the heart works and what can go wrong with it and with the circulation. It emphasises that there is no single cause of coronary heart disease but rather a number of risk factors which can lead to trouble, particularly if several of them are present in one person. Smoking is high on the list and is the factor most directly within a person’s control. Other factors such as raised blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, and especially the possible effect of stress are examined in turn. Sensible recommendations which do not impose undue limitations on life-style are made in the hope of reducing the toll of heart disease. A final section describes first aid, treatment and rehabilitation following a heart attack.