How to Protect Your Heart from Your Doctor
Cardiologist Wayne lashes out at the medical community with a scathing diatribe about the misuse of proper diagnostic techniques, over-dependence on medical technology, and the eagerness of physicians to perform invasive procedures. By labeling Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and other managed-care organizations "discount medi-cine," he implies that they are substandard in quality. He also claims that there is only a weak link between cholesterol and heart disease and that the data have been "deliberatly manipulated" to distort the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels. Coronary artery bypass surgery is branded as a profitable fund-raiser for physicians and hospitals rarely beneficial to the patient. While Wayne makes some valid points, he offers very little constructive advice; his presentation does little but frighten the reader while giving minimal information. A far superior choice is Harvey Simon's Conquering Heart Disease (LJ 9/1/94).Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans Hosp., Tampa, Fla.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.