, Contents
Preface v
Part 1. The Basics 1
Questions 1–15 describe the heart’s anatomy and functions along with a description
of a heart attack in questions such as:
• What is the structure of a normal heart?
• What are the normal heart functions?
• What is angina pectoris or angina?
• What is a heart attack?
Part 2. Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Diagnosis 21
Questions 16–52 discuss personal factors that can increase your risk of heart attack,
along with the symptoms that accompany a heart attack and the tests used to diag-
nose one, including:
• Why is high blood pressure the major coronary risk factor?
• What is cholesterol? What is “bad” (LDL) versus “good” (HDL) cholesterol?
• How is diabetes harmful?
• What diseases or disorders may mimic a heart attack?
• What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
Part 3. Problems After a Heart Attack 61
Questions 53–67 describe health problems related to a heart attack and how they
can be managed, including:
• What are cardiac arrhythmias, and how should they be handled?
• What is heart failure?
• What is a heart block?
• What is cardiac arrest?
Part 4. Treating a Heart Attack 77
Questions 68–89 discuss long-term treatments to address heart conditions that a
heart attack survivor may suffer, such as:
• What medications are commonly used for heart attack victims?
• What is thrombolytic therapy, and who needs it?
, 100 Q&A ABOUT HEART ATTACK AND RELATED CARDIAC PROBLEMS
• What is coronary angioplasty, and who needs it?
• What is a coronary stent, and who needs it?
• What is coronary artery bypass graft, and who needs it?
• What are artificial pacemakers and electrical shock treatment, and who needs
them?
Part 5: Living After a Heart Attack 115
Questions 90–99 describe lifestyle changes and techniques that can improve a heart
attack survivor’s length and quality of life, including:
• What is cardiopulmonary resuscitation and who needs it?
• How much will my attitude contribute to my recovery?
• Do I face lifelong medications and check-ups after recovering from a heart
attack?
• How do I prevent another heart attack?
Appendix 147
Question 100 is a list of web sites, organizations, and publications to help heart
attack survivors and their families find additional resources on general and specific
topics related to heart attacks and related cardiac problems.
Glossary 151
Index 161
iv
, PART ONE
The Basics
What is the structure of a normal heart?
What are the normal heart functions?
What is angina pectoris or angina?
What is a heart attack?
More . . .
Preface v
Part 1. The Basics 1
Questions 1–15 describe the heart’s anatomy and functions along with a description
of a heart attack in questions such as:
• What is the structure of a normal heart?
• What are the normal heart functions?
• What is angina pectoris or angina?
• What is a heart attack?
Part 2. Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Diagnosis 21
Questions 16–52 discuss personal factors that can increase your risk of heart attack,
along with the symptoms that accompany a heart attack and the tests used to diag-
nose one, including:
• Why is high blood pressure the major coronary risk factor?
• What is cholesterol? What is “bad” (LDL) versus “good” (HDL) cholesterol?
• How is diabetes harmful?
• What diseases or disorders may mimic a heart attack?
• What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
Part 3. Problems After a Heart Attack 61
Questions 53–67 describe health problems related to a heart attack and how they
can be managed, including:
• What are cardiac arrhythmias, and how should they be handled?
• What is heart failure?
• What is a heart block?
• What is cardiac arrest?
Part 4. Treating a Heart Attack 77
Questions 68–89 discuss long-term treatments to address heart conditions that a
heart attack survivor may suffer, such as:
• What medications are commonly used for heart attack victims?
• What is thrombolytic therapy, and who needs it?
, 100 Q&A ABOUT HEART ATTACK AND RELATED CARDIAC PROBLEMS
• What is coronary angioplasty, and who needs it?
• What is a coronary stent, and who needs it?
• What is coronary artery bypass graft, and who needs it?
• What are artificial pacemakers and electrical shock treatment, and who needs
them?
Part 5: Living After a Heart Attack 115
Questions 90–99 describe lifestyle changes and techniques that can improve a heart
attack survivor’s length and quality of life, including:
• What is cardiopulmonary resuscitation and who needs it?
• How much will my attitude contribute to my recovery?
• Do I face lifelong medications and check-ups after recovering from a heart
attack?
• How do I prevent another heart attack?
Appendix 147
Question 100 is a list of web sites, organizations, and publications to help heart
attack survivors and their families find additional resources on general and specific
topics related to heart attacks and related cardiac problems.
Glossary 151
Index 161
iv
, PART ONE
The Basics
What is the structure of a normal heart?
What are the normal heart functions?
What is angina pectoris or angina?
What is a heart attack?
More . . .
