Answering Your Questions About Heart Disease and Sex, by Eduardo Chapunoff, is exactly what the title implies. People with heart conditions are sometimes hesitant to ask a medical expert a question about resuming sexual relations. This book is meant as a way to bridge the communication gap.
Since not everybody with a cardiac history will be diagnosed until a problem occurs, Dr. Chapunoff gives examples of situations which could be experienced. Reading these case studies gives the reader a much greater understanding than if the book had been written without them.
For the most part, chapters are talking about married couples. Many ages and stages get covered so everyone is fairly represented. In addition, there is also a section about the outcome should someone have an affair, since emotion tends to affect the physical state.
By discussing things in a straightforward manner, readers will find there is little to be embarrassed about. Humor is generously sprinkled throughout to assist in this process.
Chapters about heart disease would not be complete without a focus on both nutrition and medication. Obviously, nutrition can be critical in turning around a diagnosis. Most of us are not too good about maintaining a healthy diet. However, some eat way too much of the wrong foods and set themselves up for problems down the road.
Drugs can also take a toll on one's health. This is why it's so important to tell one's doctor as to what meds are already being taken, including any supplements. Certain combinations can be lethal. By having tips on meds typically prescribed, it will helps readers have a much more informed conversation with doctors about what course of treatment is right for them.
Overall, I liked this book. It was informative without being preachy, straightforward and not so technical that it went over my head. Readers should know something, however. It is perhaps easier to digest if the chapters are read slowly over several days rather than a marathon session all at once. The information takes time to absorb.
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