Book Review: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: For patients, their families and interested physicians, Second Edition

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: For patients, their families and interested physicians, Second Edition is very accurately targeted as the book itself claims, to patients, their families, and interested physicians (as well as other interested professionals). The authors have done a wonderful job of making the level of material understandable to lay people as well as presenting interesting and informative information for professionals. The first section of the book describes the condition of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in an objective way. The language used would seem non-threatening to someone who had this diagnosis, yet it is straightforward enough that appropriate action would be taken by people with the disease to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The authors also address the genetic issues of HCM in a way that gives guidance to families, helping them with the tools they need to seek guidance and medical attention so that potential risks are appropriately analyzed and treated. The chapters on General lifestyle advice and The 34 most frequently asked questions by patients about HCM, as addressed to the HCMA are comprehensive and provide advice that is both realistic and believable. The authors repeatedly refer readers to their own physicians for final advice and analysis, thus not usurping the role of the primary care or personal physician. The book does provide the reader with enough information, however, that the patient knows what further questions to ask and would know if they needed to seek other opinions. For the personal physician or clinic attempting to help patients with this diagnosis, there is abundant information on driving, insurance, Social Security, genetic testing, defibrillators, special age implications, support groups, research and other information, which would take the rest of us a long time to find. It is all presented in a very easy-to-read format. I thought this book was a valuable tool for everyone in the intended audiences. It would be a great reference book to have in an electrophysiology department as well, for staff to read and for recommendation to patients. Personally, I enjoyed the book very much and would purchase it for myself as well as for my department. For more information on ordering a copy of this book, please visit: www.blackwellcardiology.com For more information on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, please visit: www.4hcm.org