A Patient's Guide to Heart Rhythm Problems

In this book, Dr. Cohen uses his considerable talents as a physician and writer to present a clear and comprehensive guide to understanding heart rhythm disorders. The book is especially valuable for patients (and family members) who need specialized cardiac procedures. -- Melvin Scheinman, M.D., University of California, San Francisco Dr. Cohen's book explains in simple terms an all-too-common medical problem that afflicts many people throughout the world. This easy-to-read book will help educate people with heart rhythm problems as well as their families. It is important reading for anyone who may be in need of a pacemaker, defibrillator, or catheter ablation procedure. -- Nelson DeMille, author of The General's Daughter This is the first comprehensive book I've seen intended to help patients and their families understand the important subject of heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Cohen's explanations of these problems, the tests used to diagnose them, and the devices and treatments used to manage them are straightforward and thorough. Anyone facing an invasive heart rhythm procedure must read this guide. -- Andrew Weil, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of Healthy Aging

Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) can be a matter of life or death, and people with arrhythmias must get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This guide provides information about palpitations, rapid heart rhythms (tachycardias), slow heart rhythms (bradycardias), cardiac arrest, and other conditions related to irregular heartbeats.Heart rhythm problems can be a matter of life or death. In this easy-to-read guide, Dr. Todd Cohen provides comprehensive information to help people with heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Dr. Cohen tells readers what they need to know about palpitations, rapid heart rhythms (tachycardias), slow heart rhythms (bradycardias), cardiac arrest, and other conditions related to irregular heartbeats. With the goal of informing and empowering heart patients, Dr. Cohen describes the heart's basic function, the various conditions associated with arrhythmia, and recommended courses of treatment. He discusses such procedures as tilt table testing, electrophysiology studies, catheter ablation, and device implantation (including cardiac monitors, pacemakers, defibrillators, and biventricular devices); explains the essentials of CPR and the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs); and presents the latest guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Heart Rhythm Society. A Patient's Guide to Heart Rhythm Problems will help readers understand * how the heart works and what can go wrong* the tests and other diagnostic procedures they may undergo* how their doctor reaches a diagnosis* what their diagnosis means* how their doctor might treat the problem* when medication alone is sufficient treatment* when pacemaker, defibrillator, or biventricular therapy is appropriate* how to get the best possible medical care-in and out of the hospital Endorsed by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, this essential resource features tables highlighting key information, as well as patient narratives that provide personal insight into arrhythmia tests, treatments, and technologies.