Heart: An American Medical Odyssey - Hardcover

"Extraordinary. . . . intertwines the fascinating ups and downs (mostly ups) of Cheney's political career with his heart incidents and his cardiologist's recollections of Cheney's condition and the development of cardiac medicine at the time. . . . Heart will remind readers of Dick Cheney's humanity and his long service to the nation." * The Weekly Standard * "Heart represents a rare glimpse into the personal side of a former vice president... with his political career behind him and the [heart] transplant a success, he decided to open up in a way he never had before." * The New York Times * "Fascinating...a must-read for anyone facing heart disease, as well as their families and friends." -- Hugh Hewitt * The Washington Examiner *

For almost as long as he served at the highest levels of government and business, Dick Cheney has been one of the most well-known cardiac patients in the world. When he suffered his first heart attack in 1978, Cheney received essentially the same treatment as President Eisenhower did after his heart attack in 1955. Since then, coronary care has undergone revolutionary changes. The story of these changes is told through the chronicle of Cheney's own heart disease and the treatments he received. In Heart, for the first time ever, Dick Cheney shares the very personal story of his health struggles. Hearttraces the history of cardiology over the past forty years through the alternating narratives of Cheney and his longtime cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Reiner. In their voices, readers will learn about Cheney's personal experiences, get a glimpse into the all-important doctor-patient relationship, and learn about the cutting-edge science that has radically changed the way we think about and treat the disease. By revealing the intimate details behind his five heart attacks and most recently, his heart transplant, Cheney offers hope to the millions struggling with cardiovascular disease around the world.