Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In 1978, at age 35, medical journalist Kowalski (The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure) suffered a heart attack and later underwent two coronary bypass surgeries. Here, he relates how he lost weight, quit smoking, managed stress, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels and avoided medications and their side effects. Kowalski recommends ways to monitor blood pressure, combat the metabolic syndrome that leads to heart disease and diabetes (abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and triglycerides, insulin resistance, inflammation, etc.) and raise levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. He provides basic diet and exercise guidelines, details the components of proper electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) and describes potent natural remedies, including arginine, pycnogenol and grapeseed extract. There are sections on children's health and risks and a review of current prescription drugs for those who must take them. Kowalski's use of cliches and case studies bogs down the text somewhat. Still, readers facing poor prognoses will gain a hopeful perspective on the future from the author's experiences. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
In this guide to lowering blood pressure, journalist Kowalski (The 8 Week Cholesterol Cure) calls hypertension one of the three major risk factors for heart disease. While admitting heredity and race play a role, Kowalski asserts that these are only warnings that can be negated by good health habits. He explains the new definitions and classification of blood pressure levels, including prehypertension, and provides rationale for the updated guidelines. Risk factors for special populations of children, African Americans, women, older people, and diabetics receive brief attention. Basic information on weight reduction, physical activity, stress reduction, alcohol use, and diet as they affect hypertension is given. Some alternative medicine therapies are mentioned. Prescription drugs are briefly covered; some recipes are included. Kowalski touts five secret weapons for a blood pressure cure: arginine, grape seed extract, tomato extract, Pycnogenol, and cocoa. He cites small clinical studies to back his assertions; unfortunately, larger studies show unclear results. Recommendations for lifestyle changes are vague. Aggie Casey and Herbert Benson's Harvard Medical School Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure is a better choice. For large collections only.-Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
