From the leading group of medical experts in America-an authoritative guide to preventing and treating heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. Now, with this comprehensive guide, readers will learn what risks they face and how to protect themselves and their loved ones from heart disease of all kinds. Written in user-friendly language, it provides up-to-the-minute information on the causes and treatment of common heart problems, from prehypertension, high blood pressure, and heart attack to stroke and congestive heart failure. It features practical strategies for lifestyle changes, advice about warning signs to tell a doctor about right away, guidance on heart-healthy ways to exercise, and an extensive section on women and heart disease.

Includes index.

Introduction --Your heart and circulatory system -- Managing your cholesterol level -- High blood pressure -- Quitting smoking -- Exercise and physical activity -- Eating healthfully for a lifetime -- Overweight and obesity -- Controlling diabetes -- Stress -- Physical examinations and diagnostic tests -- Heart attack -- Heart valve problems -- Stroke and other diseases of the blood vessels -- Congestive heart failure -- Arrhythmias -- Women and heart disease -- Appendix : Managing your health care -- Glossary -- Index. Introduction -- Your heart and circulatory system -- Managing your cholesterol level -- High blood pressure -- Quitting smoking -- Exercise and physical activity -- Eating healthfully for a lifetime -- Overweight and obesity -- Controlling diabetes -- Stress -- Physical examinations and diagnostic tests -- Heart attack -- Heart valve problems -- Stroke and other diseases of the blood vessels -- Congestive heart failure -- Arrhythmias -- Women and heart disease -- Appendix : Managing your health care -- Glossary -- Index.