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Dr Aashish Contractor (pictured), a reputed specialist in cardiac rehabilitation, with over 30 years of experience in treating patients suffering from varied heart ailments, took upon himself the task of penning a highly informative, lucid book that informs even the lay person of all facets of heart disease.
 The Heart Truth painstakingly takes readers on a journey from the heart of darkness into light. It is a "must-read” tome that is also a "go-to” for frequent reference. It provides keen insights into heart disease, its problems, testing, risk factors and symptoms. It explains how patients need to deal with the news, understand the management options available, and, importantly, the steps needed to prevent heart disease.
Specific parts of this book which I would like to highlight to readers are: understanding the body mass index (BMI), its classification and its calculation, an exercise that should be carried out by readers. Learn the causes of chest pain and discomfort so lucidly presented, in tabular form.
Cardiac chest pain, medically referred to as angina, may be described as a dull aching, constricting or burning type of pain. It is usually over the precordial region, which is to the left of the sternum and is not point specific. It may aggravate on physical activity and may subside at rest or on consumption of tablet Sorbitrate. To the person experiencing these symptoms it is crucial to get help right away.
The decision-making flow chart helps a layman understand the method of intervention best suited, once the diagnosis of coronary disease is made. The FITT (frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise) principle is a clever mnemonic offering better understanding of exercise and training. While exercise is important, even more important is diet control. This has been comprehensively dealt with by highlighting five dietary principles. Myths regarding various cooking oils are also addressed.
The industry fashioned around weight loss is currently one of the fastest growing and most profitable. Contractor’s recommendations are simply illustrated with activities and calories burned. If the excuse for weight gain and lethargy is "stress” related, then it is highly advisable to read his three-step approach to stress management. I appreciate the fact that he enumerates the uses and side effects of common cardiac medications. "I am concerned about heart disease. I have raised money for it; my dad died of it,” commented Anderson Cooper, CNN anchor who hosts Anderson Cooper 360o. "If you knew you could change your lifestyle and diet and avoid heart disease and other things (illnesses) you should do it,” urged Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary world boxing champion, Muhammad Ali.
 What makes this book most appealing, and sets it apart, are the myths and fallacies that Contractor busts, particularly while discussing issues of nutrition, weight loss, stress management, medication, cardiac rehabilitation, women and heart disease, sex and heart disease, the urgent need to quit smoking, alternative therapies and exercise — in this case running marathons after heart disease.
In summary, Contractor wants his readers to understand that in order to prevent and combat heart disease one needs to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Maintaining one’s body weight helps a person’s physical well being, which in turn gives them the confidence required for their psychological well being. 
What is impressive is the simplicity with which medical facts have been presented along with real life anecdotes, making the read relevant, current, very interesting, and, on the whole, quite engaging. Most times, I felt as if the author was speaking directly to me!
I highly recommend this informative and comprehensive book be read by all, especially the young adults of our community. You might ask me why I am addressing this specific age group. It is because about 65 % of our Indian population is less than age 35. Harvard Health reports (www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/premature-heart-disease), "As many as four to 10% of all heart attacks occur before age 45, and most of these strike men. It’s a reminder that men should not ignore warning symptoms just because they are "too young” to have heart disease. And since atherosclerosis can — and does — start in youth, it’s a reminder that prevention should start early in life before problems develop.”  
According to a study published in The Lancet, the data in 2014 showed India breaking into the top five in global incidence of obesity. This is a scary trend, with dangerous consequences for our socioeconomic welfare, which is preventable. I am confident that they will be motivated and inspired by the stories of the people whose lives were touched by Contractor.
Dr KARL MEHTA