Readers seeking first-aid advice will not find it in this disappointing book. Rather, the title serves as a deceptive peg on which to hang a series of superficial pieces, in labored Q & A format, on over a dozen possible causes of chest discomfort, from syphilis to tumors. Lesser, a cardiologist and a medical journalist for National Public Radio, and medical writer Strauss seem on fairly solid ground in describing myocardial infarction, although they erroneously use this term interchangeably with "thrombosis" (clot formation); but their suggestion that a victim meditate, play Mozart and/or "think of funny things" while awaiting the paramedics is startling. Elsewhere, dubious assertions are made (citrus fruits should be avoided by sufferers of "virtually all types of arthritis"), as well as outright misstatements (nutritional deficiencies are said to be a "common cause" of panic disorder). A 40-page final section offers nothing new in guidance on the prevention of coronary artery disease, along with a questionable mega-vitamin and -mineral regimen and further advocacy of the medical powers of Mozart.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
Dr. Lesser is head and shoulders above the rest of the medical crowd and this book is another manifestation of this fact. It can be a bit dry at times, but the message is huge and was powerfuly important to me: my sporadic chest tightness/pains were NOT the onset of cardiac trouble though my idiot local quack thought so and the cardio guy he sent me to practically told me I'd die of a heart attack if I DIDN'T get an angiogram in spite of all the evidence to the contrary. IDIOTS, well actually not idiots, if they don't induce a stroke and kill you then, then they will likely find a bit of plaque, enough to justify a stent and then WHAM you are in the system for life, baby, and you can pay, pay, pay.
My chest tightness/pains: it was emotional and sometimes delayed muscular after yoga -- well after, like the next day. Dang, the medical industrial complex lost a good customer, they coulda milked me for 30+ years. What dicks! Dr. Lesser gives the facts so you can help heal yourself.
