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Heart: An American Medical Odyssey
Former Vice President Dick Cheney and his longtime cardiologist, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, share the story of Cheney’s thirty-five-year battle with heart disease—providing insight into the incredible medical breakthroughs that have changed cardiac care over the last four decades.
For as long as he has served at the highest levels of business and government, Vice President Dick Cheney has also been one of the world’s most prominent heart patients. Now, for the first time ever, Cheney, together with his longtime cardiologist, Jonathan Reiner, MD, shares the very personal story of his courageous thirty-five-year battle with heart disease, from his first heart attack in 1978 to the heart transplant he received in 2012.
In 1978, when Cheney suffered his first heart attack, he received essentially the same treatment President Eisenhower had had in 1955. Since then, cardiac medicine has been revolutionized, and Cheney has benefitted from nearly every medical breakthrough. At each juncture, when Cheney faced a new health challenge, the technology was one step ahead of his disease. Cheney’s story is in many ways the story of the evolution of modern cardiac care.
Heart is the riveting, singular memoir of both doctor and patient. Like no US politician has before him, Cheney opens up about his health struggles, sharing harrowing, never-before-told stories about the challenges he faced during a perilous time in our nation’s history. Dr. Reiner provides his perspective on Cheney’s case and also gives readers a fascinating glimpse into his own education as a doctor and the history of our understanding of the human heart. He masterfully chronicles the important discoveries, radical innovations, and cutting-edge science that have changed the face of medicine and saved countless lives.
Powerfully braiding science with story and the personal with the political, Heart is a sweeping, inspiring, and ultimately optimistic book that will give hope to the millions of Americans affected by heart disease.
For as long as he has served at the highest levels of business and government, Vice President Dick Cheney has also been one of the world’s most prominent heart patients. Now, for the first time ever, Cheney, together with his longtime cardiologist, Jonathan Reiner, MD, shares the very personal story of his courageous thirty-five-year battle with heart disease, from his first heart attack in 1978 to the heart transplant he received in 2012.
In 1978, when Cheney suffered his first heart attack, he received essentially the same treatment President Eisenhower had had in 1955. Since then, cardiac medicine has been revolutionized, and Cheney has benefitted from nearly every medical breakthrough. At each juncture, when Cheney faced a new health challenge, the technology was one step ahead of his disease. Cheney’s story is in many ways the story of the evolution of modern cardiac care.
Heart is the riveting, singular memoir of both doctor and patient. Like no US politician has before him, Cheney opens up about his health struggles, sharing harrowing, never-before-told stories about the challenges he faced during a perilous time in our nation’s history. Dr. Reiner provides his perspective on Cheney’s case and also gives readers a fascinating glimpse into his own education as a doctor and the history of our understanding of the human heart. He masterfully chronicles the important discoveries, radical innovations, and cutting-edge science that have changed the face of medicine and saved countless lives.
Powerfully braiding science with story and the personal with the political, Heart is a sweeping, inspiring, and ultimately optimistic book that will give hope to the millions of Americans affected by heart disease.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2013
15 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Dick Cheney
16 books31 followersRichard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States (2001-2009), under George W. Bush.
Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, but was primarily raised in Sumner, Nebraska and Casper, Wyoming. He began his political career as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger, eventually working his way into the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations, where he served the latter as White House Chief of Staff. In 1978, Cheney was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming; he was reelected five times, eventually becoming House Minority Whip. Cheney was selected to be the Secretary of Defense during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, holding the position for the majority of Bush's term. During this time, Cheney oversaw the 1991 Operation Desert Storm, among other actions.
Out of office during the Clinton presidency, Cheney was chairman and CEO of Halliburton Company from 1995 to 2000.
Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, but was primarily raised in Sumner, Nebraska and Casper, Wyoming. He began his political career as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger, eventually working his way into the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations, where he served the latter as White House Chief of Staff. In 1978, Cheney was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming; he was reelected five times, eventually becoming House Minority Whip. Cheney was selected to be the Secretary of Defense during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, holding the position for the majority of Bush's term. During this time, Cheney oversaw the 1991 Operation Desert Storm, among other actions.
Out of office during the Clinton presidency, Cheney was chairman and CEO of Halliburton Company from 1995 to 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 2, 2016
First let me say, I listened to the audiobook as I was driving back and forth to work. I think this is relevant when evaluating a book and its ability to hold your interest/attention. I feel the bar is a little lower than reading in print.
Also I should mention that I was a Cardio Thoracic Surgical ICU RN, so much of the medical terminology and procedures were familiar to me and brought me moments of nostalgia and fond memories. I enjoyed hearing about the history of cardiology and cardiac surgery that I was unaware of. Having said that, I can see how much of said terminology could be overwhelming and confusing if the reader was unfamiliar with the medical field.
You should also know this book is not political in nature. With an author's name like Cheney, I can imagine that many readers would expect some political angle. There is none in this book.
Also I should mention that I was a Cardio Thoracic Surgical ICU RN, so much of the medical terminology and procedures were familiar to me and brought me moments of nostalgia and fond memories. I enjoyed hearing about the history of cardiology and cardiac surgery that I was unaware of. Having said that, I can see how much of said terminology could be overwhelming and confusing if the reader was unfamiliar with the medical field.
You should also know this book is not political in nature. With an author's name like Cheney, I can imagine that many readers would expect some political angle. There is none in this book.
February 4, 2014
I enjoyed reading about the Advances in cardiovascular research, but I work for the American Heart Association ;) I wasn't sure I would like this book because I thought it would be very political; however, it was written from the perspective of how the VP functioned in his role living with serious heart disease. Quite frankly, I am amazed that he lived this long considering the stress of his job and the declining quality of his health. If you are a medical geek, you will enjoy this book.
August 9, 2016
it's not always bad being the guinea pig in medicine . . . i know i am healthier than most lyme patients b/c of the new protocols my physician and i have tried.
August 12, 2016
”Writing this book with Jonathan Reiner has been a great experience…I thought I knew a lot about coronary artery disease when we began this project because I had lived with it for thirty-five years, but now I feel as though I have been through a yearlong advanced seminar on the history of medical cardiology.”
This is a very odd book, about the medical issues that faced former Secretary of Defense and Vice President Dick Cheney while he was in office, as well as before and after. I note that most of the reviews I have seen are from folks in the medical field. Co-author Dr. Jonathan Reiner is praised for his clarity, etc. in describing atheroschlerosis. Cheney glances on what exactly he did in office, but being the private person he still is, he doesn’t really talk about anything of importance in any depth. I'm sure he doesn't feel the need to explain, justify, or defend anything and that his actions and decisions stand on their own to be judged by history.
Cheney was elected to the House of Representatives in 1978, serving from 1979 to 1989 when he became George H.W. Bush’s choice for Secretary of Defense. He oversaw the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, and resisted budget cuts that would “do long-term damage to our military capabilities. We shifted from focusing on having to fight an all-out global war with the Soviets to a strategy of being able to defend the regions of the world where vital U.S. interests were at stake.” That’s it. There are two more paragraphs. That’s how he describes his role as Secretary of Defense. That was his favorite job of his career.
When he was asked by George W. Bush to be his running mate, he at first refused. He didn’t think he would like it. That was, if you recall, the contested election with hanging chads, etc. Cheney writes,
“Although there had been no official outcome to the election, I knew we needed to begin the transition. Under normal circumstances, a president-elect has the time from the election in early November until the January 20 inauguration to find and recruit a cabinet, fill thousands of jobs and put together a legislative program…In the situation we faced in 2000, it would be virtually impossible to run an effective transition if we waited for the final resolution of the Florida recount.”Cheney had a heart incident on November 22, 2000.
”When I took the oath of office as vice president of the United States on January 20, 2001, I had been living with coronary artery disease for twenty-two years. I had survived four heart attacks, the last occurring just months before, and quadruple bypass surgery.”
”When Governor Bush asked me to be his running mate, he made it clear that it would be a consequential post. I would be a full member of his team and help govern the nation…He also asked me to take on the task of conducting a review of a number of studies that dealt with the problem of “homeland security.” My national security background had been an important reason for his selecting me, and with his approval, I embarked on a series of visits to the Central Intelligence Agency, The National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and other parts of the intelligence community. I’d a special interest in intelligence matters since my days on the House Intelligence Committee and as secretary of defense, but after eight years in the private sector, I needed to catch up.”We know how that turned out.
In July of 2010, Cheney had a heart transplant. He feels better now.
February 3, 2014
As a doctor and a heart patient, I read with interest Cheney’s book as it provides the history of the treatment of coronary artery disease through the eyes of a famous patient and through the eyes of his physician. It sheds light on VP Cheney and how he makes decisions. It also shows the importance of developing a relationship with the right doctor for you.
Cheney’s early medical history is filled with denial. “Cigarettes won’t hurt me, the first heart attack at age 37 did not mean much, heart disease will not limit me in any way”(I am paraphrasing). The next phase began after his second heart attack at age 43. No longer able to deny, he began to worry. He checked out any and all threats and often was right. Perhaps here he developed the Cheney Doctrine
“If there is a 1% chance of something happening, we need to respond as if it is a certainty”.
About the age of 55, he met Jonathan Reiner, MD, the perfect cardiologist for him. Reiner is bright, knowledgeable about his field, relentless in his care, and willing to do whatever is necessary to keep his patients going, especially Cheney. Reiner admits his own sister was kept alive in the ICU longer than any other patient in that hospital when she had terminal lung cancer. He brought that same tenacity and special treatment to his care for VP Cheney.
I actually enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated. It was filled with true emotion and enough detail to help me understand the difficulties in being a high profile patient or caring for one. Dr Reiner also share the story of his experience with tongue cancer and how it almost derailed his own medical career. The stories of the development of many of the advances in heart care were interesting and inspiring.
I had the privilege of speaking with Vice President Cheney on February 1, 2014 when I was part of a radio interview about his book. I asked him if he had any medical regrets. He only mentioned his heavy smoking habit for 20 years prior to his first heart attack (he quit that day). Cheney is not one to second guess himself but reading the book you do get a clear picture that he received the best of care. He also always had primary care doctors on his team and the continuity of only 2 main cardiologists.
VP Cheney and I share a history of early heart disease (He at 37, me at 44). We also share a humbling gratitude for all the visionary, courageous and dedicated researchers, doctors and pioneers that pushed forward so many medical advances.
Cheney’s early medical history is filled with denial. “Cigarettes won’t hurt me, the first heart attack at age 37 did not mean much, heart disease will not limit me in any way”(I am paraphrasing). The next phase began after his second heart attack at age 43. No longer able to deny, he began to worry. He checked out any and all threats and often was right. Perhaps here he developed the Cheney Doctrine
“If there is a 1% chance of something happening, we need to respond as if it is a certainty”.
About the age of 55, he met Jonathan Reiner, MD, the perfect cardiologist for him. Reiner is bright, knowledgeable about his field, relentless in his care, and willing to do whatever is necessary to keep his patients going, especially Cheney. Reiner admits his own sister was kept alive in the ICU longer than any other patient in that hospital when she had terminal lung cancer. He brought that same tenacity and special treatment to his care for VP Cheney.
I actually enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated. It was filled with true emotion and enough detail to help me understand the difficulties in being a high profile patient or caring for one. Dr Reiner also share the story of his experience with tongue cancer and how it almost derailed his own medical career. The stories of the development of many of the advances in heart care were interesting and inspiring.
I had the privilege of speaking with Vice President Cheney on February 1, 2014 when I was part of a radio interview about his book. I asked him if he had any medical regrets. He only mentioned his heavy smoking habit for 20 years prior to his first heart attack (he quit that day). Cheney is not one to second guess himself but reading the book you do get a clear picture that he received the best of care. He also always had primary care doctors on his team and the continuity of only 2 main cardiologists.
VP Cheney and I share a history of early heart disease (He at 37, me at 44). We also share a humbling gratitude for all the visionary, courageous and dedicated researchers, doctors and pioneers that pushed forward so many medical advances.
March 2, 2014
Almost every review of this book starts by noting that it's not a political memoir. If you want that, Cheney has already written an autobiography. I haven't read it, but that might be what you're looking for. This book is, as the subtitle suggests, all about Cheney's medical odyssey. This isn't a political book nor was it written for medical professionals; it's a medical book written for patients or their family.
More than half of the book is written from the perspective of his co-author and doctor, and these parts are entirely about Cheney's health. Frankly, this is the most valuable part of the book since Cheney has basically experienced every possible heart condition or procedure you can experience, up to and including a heart transplant. Cheney's parts of the book are also mostly focused on his medical problems. He provides some context regarding what was going on in the world or his life at the time. More importantly, he gives you the patient's perspective on what he felt, when he felt it, and what he did about it.
Most people know that you shouldn't smoke, you should exercise, and you should maintain a healthy diet to avoid heart problems. However, if that's all you know about heart disease, which accounts for one in four American deaths every year, then you really owe it to yourself to read this book. Seriously. Be proactive about this. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. You should have a working knowledge of what it is and how we're treating it using modern medicine.
More than half of the book is written from the perspective of his co-author and doctor, and these parts are entirely about Cheney's health. Frankly, this is the most valuable part of the book since Cheney has basically experienced every possible heart condition or procedure you can experience, up to and including a heart transplant. Cheney's parts of the book are also mostly focused on his medical problems. He provides some context regarding what was going on in the world or his life at the time. More importantly, he gives you the patient's perspective on what he felt, when he felt it, and what he did about it.
Most people know that you shouldn't smoke, you should exercise, and you should maintain a healthy diet to avoid heart problems. However, if that's all you know about heart disease, which accounts for one in four American deaths every year, then you really owe it to yourself to read this book. Seriously. Be proactive about this. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. You should have a working knowledge of what it is and how we're treating it using modern medicine.
April 28, 2014
Excellent book about Dick Cheney's struggle with coronary artery disease and severe heart failure. Cheney had 5 heart attacks, coronary artery bypass, and innumerable medical procedures including a ventricular access device and heart transplant. I don't believe that the public had any idea how sick he really was. The advances in cardiac therapy are miraculous and almost unbelievable. Cheney had his first heart attack when he was in his late 30's, and he was a beneficiary of every cardiac advancement over the last 30 years, including a implantable cardiac defibrillator. The book is also written with the collaboration of Cheney's long term cardiologist, Jonathan Reiner. Dr. Reiner's portion of the book is the most interesting. He explains how many of the devices and procedures came to be, delving into the history of cardiac research. Many of these advancements have saved countless lives. As a physician, I learned a lot about what some of my cardiac colleagues have doing and the tremendous techniques that have found their way into virtually every American hospital. Anyone who questions American medicine today should read this book.
January 9, 2014
Those political enthusiasts looking for their next read will be vastly disappointed in Heart. For this book, written by Vice President Dick Cheney and his cardiologist, Jonathan Reiner, is the story of cardiovascular research and treatment, most specifically the story of the former Vice President's heart. Each chapter is broken down into two points of view, Mr. Cheney gives a resume of sorts of his responsibilities and political appointments but details his symptoms and treatments of his cardiac problems. Dr. Reiner, however, has a very interesting autobiography, tells the fascinating history of cardiovascular procedures and treatments, as well as Cheney's individual treatment and care. As a nurse, I was amazed at the advances in cardiovascular treatment in such a short time period. Heart was well written and I enjoyed this book very much.
August 10, 2016
What a great idea to discuss a topic like heart disease from both the patient's and doctor's perspective over the course of 25-30 years! This was a fascinating book (not at all political in nature, for those readers who are concerned). In alternating chapters, Dick Cheney and his long-time cardiologist talk about the disease, treatments, and the science behind the treatments over a lifetime (Cheney's). When Cheney had his first heart attack in the 70s, the only treatment available was pain medication. Since then, we've seen pacemakers, angiograms, stents, angioplasty, ventricular assist devices, and heart transplants. Cheney has been able to use almost all of thes, as the became available, to deal with the progression of his arterial heart disease, and it's a fascinating tale! Highly recommended!
October 19, 2014
I thought this was a very interesting book not only from Cheney's point of view but from his doctor's as well. Cheney gives his personal perspective and then Dr. Reiner gives his perspective from a medical point of view. It delves into the history of heart disease as well as early treatment. Cheney gives a view from his very first heart attack at age 35. He suffered a total of 5 and was able to benefit from the advances in medicine that were made.
I probably wouldn't have picked this book up except a friend of ours just had a heart transplant and his kids had given him the book to read. He asked if I'd like to read it and I'm glad I did.
I probably wouldn't have picked this book up except a friend of ours just had a heart transplant and his kids had given him the book to read. He asked if I'd like to read it and I'm glad I did.
January 27, 2014
I think this is a fascinating story of one man's struggle with heat failure. Mr. Cheney was fortunate enough to have the best of medical care and the love and support of his family. His doctor co-authored this book and it is an extraordinary saga of the progress we have made in dealing with heart disease over the past 70 years. While I don't agree with Mr. Chaney's politics, I think he showed amazing courage in dealing with his devastating illness. This is a must read for anyone who wants cutting edge knowledge of the progress in the field of cardiac care.
June 7, 2014
If you are reading this with any medical/cardiovascular background you may get a little bored. information was reiterated between the doctor and Cheney, which got repetitive. it was really beneficial to see a patient's journey from the beginning of their journey with CAD until transplantation. the doctor also provided a lot of medical history which was very interesting. The writing and order of the book brought the book down a bit. overall, if you're looking for a medical memoir and want to learn about heart disease, this may be a great option for you.
November 18, 2013
This is essentially a book about cardiology with specific details relating to one patient, former VP Dick Cheney. As a former CICU RN, I found it extremely interesting and written in a manner that a lay person could understand but not dumbed down, so it was still enjoyable and informative to persons better versed in the human anatomy and medicine. This is not a political book.
February 2, 2014
I love the fact that this is the history of medical advances in heart disease as seen through the eyes of a public figure and his cardiologist. No matter what YOUR politics are, there is nothing in this book that has to do with the personal politics of the individuals in the book. If heart disease has touched your family, you should read this book.
June 2, 2014
If you have an interest in cardiology and someone who has had an enormous amount of problems with their heart, this is a great book for you to read.
I enjoyed the dual perspective of both Dick Cheney and his doctor.
I am surprised by all of the problems Dick Cheney has had to deal with.
I am really surprised that he has lived as long as he has.
I enjoyed the dual perspective of both Dick Cheney and his doctor.
I am surprised by all of the problems Dick Cheney has had to deal with.
I am really surprised that he has lived as long as he has.
April 23, 2014
I enjoyed learning of the recent history cardiology treatment developments, but did not expect to also learn so much of Cheney's political life at the same time (from his point of view). It would have been better to simply read a book focusing on cardiology without the self-representations.
November 8, 2013
Enjoyed the book, learned a lot about heart disease, learned some about VP Cheney. All in all an interesting read Good insight about how the medical profession works.
November 10, 2013
Loved the medical detail in this book, contrasted by the human and emotional side of Cheney. Very well done, accounting for the remarkable advancement of cardiac therapy since early experimentation.
November 6, 2013
Outstanding book about understanding the heart. Not political.
December 28, 2013
Great combo of physician and patient perspectives. I liked the MD commentary and enjoyed dick Cheney's detailed memories, but the book is about 100 pages too long. Dick just isn't THAT interesting.
September 14, 2014
great asa 'state of the art' cardiac medicine...but even more creepy insight into the psyche of Dick Cheney
August 22, 2023
Most of my life has been in politics, and to me Dick Cheney is one of the worst, most harmful elected leaders, who history has already proven to be wrong on almost everything, from the ill-conceived war in Iraq, to torturing prisoners of war, to the de-regulation that led to economic disaster. I also believe that due to his wealth and power, Dick Cheney had access to healthcare for his serious heart disease that average Americans could never hope to attain. But since so many Americans suffer from heart disease, I tried to approach this book with an open mind: even though Cheney had healthcare options not readily available to the commons, did his experience with serious disease help explore the improving options for management of heart disease. After reading this very well-written, engaging, interesting book, my answer is yes.
First one thing needs to be made very clear and IS made very clear by this book. Despite being second in line to the American presidency, as Vice President, Dick Cheney was a very sick man from day one, suffering yet another heart attack just before taking office and as this book documents, he had repeated serious ailments throughout his 8 years in office that got worse each year. As Vice President he may have been able to adjust his schedule to his ailments; as President he would have been a disaster. And as this book soberly shows, he was literally dying in his last year in office, and was at death's door within a year of leaving office, only saved by a long serious operation that debilitated him for months, with a machine keeping him alive until a heart transplant. Put bluntly, given his health, he should never have been Vice President.
Regardless, this book documents, mostly in easy to understand layman's terms, the progressive heart disease Cheney, like millions of Americans, suffered from, and successful medical management that kept him alive and functioning most of the time for a much longer period of time than most people who have such serious heart disease.
Cheney lived for 2 reasons: he took his disease very seriously and immediately went to the doctor if he sensed even the slightest problem; and he had access to the very best doctors and medical facilities.
But the book shows that almost right after he left office he went into progressive heart failure and within a year of leaving office was at death's door. He then opted for a long and complicated surgery to implant a machine that literally helped his heart pump, a surgery he barely survived and suffered for months recovering from, and he had to remain hooked to a machine.
The book closes with a successful heart transplant that he swiftly recovered from and he remains alive today years later. The question I had after reading, was why his doctor did not pursue the transplant earlier and save him from the suffering and near death experience with the machine implant. That obvious question is not addressed in the book.
Mr. Cheney largely keeps politics totally out of this book except for two sharp instances: First, he tries to say that his advocacy of torture of terrorists prevented another terrorist attack, which is simply not backed up by any evidence to this day. Second, he bitterly relates the astounding moment in the Obama v. John McCain presidential race when the economy crashes and McCain insists on a meeting of everyone at the White House. Only when it comes McCain's chance to speak his ideas he says nothing and that's essentially the end of the chance of his campaign winning and he takes down the Republicans with him. This account is related in many other books by politicians of both parties, and Cheney bitterly says it was clear to him McCain didn't have his act together and I think this may be the one thing I agree with Cheney on. Yet a few years later when President Donald Trump questioned McCain's competence, he was criticized even though as this incident shows, when McCain's leadership was needed by his party and his country he simply failed.
Despite my dislike of Cheney the politician, I found this book an enjoyable and interesting read and I believe Cheney's case gives hope to all the millions who suffer from heart disease.
First one thing needs to be made very clear and IS made very clear by this book. Despite being second in line to the American presidency, as Vice President, Dick Cheney was a very sick man from day one, suffering yet another heart attack just before taking office and as this book documents, he had repeated serious ailments throughout his 8 years in office that got worse each year. As Vice President he may have been able to adjust his schedule to his ailments; as President he would have been a disaster. And as this book soberly shows, he was literally dying in his last year in office, and was at death's door within a year of leaving office, only saved by a long serious operation that debilitated him for months, with a machine keeping him alive until a heart transplant. Put bluntly, given his health, he should never have been Vice President.
Regardless, this book documents, mostly in easy to understand layman's terms, the progressive heart disease Cheney, like millions of Americans, suffered from, and successful medical management that kept him alive and functioning most of the time for a much longer period of time than most people who have such serious heart disease.
Cheney lived for 2 reasons: he took his disease very seriously and immediately went to the doctor if he sensed even the slightest problem; and he had access to the very best doctors and medical facilities.
But the book shows that almost right after he left office he went into progressive heart failure and within a year of leaving office was at death's door. He then opted for a long and complicated surgery to implant a machine that literally helped his heart pump, a surgery he barely survived and suffered for months recovering from, and he had to remain hooked to a machine.
The book closes with a successful heart transplant that he swiftly recovered from and he remains alive today years later. The question I had after reading, was why his doctor did not pursue the transplant earlier and save him from the suffering and near death experience with the machine implant. That obvious question is not addressed in the book.
Mr. Cheney largely keeps politics totally out of this book except for two sharp instances: First, he tries to say that his advocacy of torture of terrorists prevented another terrorist attack, which is simply not backed up by any evidence to this day. Second, he bitterly relates the astounding moment in the Obama v. John McCain presidential race when the economy crashes and McCain insists on a meeting of everyone at the White House. Only when it comes McCain's chance to speak his ideas he says nothing and that's essentially the end of the chance of his campaign winning and he takes down the Republicans with him. This account is related in many other books by politicians of both parties, and Cheney bitterly says it was clear to him McCain didn't have his act together and I think this may be the one thing I agree with Cheney on. Yet a few years later when President Donald Trump questioned McCain's competence, he was criticized even though as this incident shows, when McCain's leadership was needed by his party and his country he simply failed.
Despite my dislike of Cheney the politician, I found this book an enjoyable and interesting read and I believe Cheney's case gives hope to all the millions who suffer from heart disease.
July 6, 2017
I got interested in this book, because I recently became a heart patient and had an ICD implanted at the age of 28. I started reading about ICDs and famous people with heart conditions, and I stumbled on Dick Cheney's story. Growing up with him and George Bush in the oval office, I was intrigued by everything they had to deal with as well as how he handled his disease. The book was truly encouraging to see Dr. Reiner and Vice President Cheney combat heart disease and develop a doctor patient relationship. I definitely came to tears hearing about Dr. Reiner's cancer and about Cheney almost dying in the hospital (and a few other moments ;) ). It was a very heart warming story that highlighted a special moment in US and medical history. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in medicine, the Bush-Cheney era, or anyone else struggling with heart disease.
February 28, 2018
This is an interesting story of how one man, with the absolute best of American health care, managed to stay ahead of his acquired heart disease. To Cheney’s credit, he stopped smoking after his first heart attack. He also did the best he could to take care of himself and to make use of his extensive medical support system.
Jonathan Reiner, the coauthor cardiologist, does a good job of describing progress in managing atherosclerosis and the challenges of taking care of an increasingly ill national figure.
Jonathan Reiner, the coauthor cardiologist, does a good job of describing progress in managing atherosclerosis and the challenges of taking care of an increasingly ill national figure.
June 19, 2020
From a purely medical perspective, Dick Cheney is a fascinating patient. The course of his heart disease is a tour de force of every significant cardiac intervention of the last five decades. Cheney seemed to have required all of them, as they became available. The fact that he is still alive is a testament to modern medical science. It's also an interesting case study as to how heart disease progresses over the years.
February 4, 2025
As someone about to undergo bypass surgery, having had stents and a heart attack myself, from the moment I picked it up, this was a book I had to have. Well written by both Cheney and his long time Cardiologist, it was pretty much a can't put down book. I finished it having learned a lot with an appreciation of the incredible journey both have experienced. I guess the most telling thing I can say is... I have recommended it to a lot of people.
October 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it had a clear purpose and it delivered. I learned something about the progression of heart disease and the history of the relevant medical science. Alternating between Cheney and his doctor was mostly effective to hear about the same events from the perspective of patient and doctor.
March 11, 2022
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. I am not political and know next to nothing about Dick Cheney, but I was inspired by his attitude towards life even while enduring significant health challenges over the 30-some years he battled heart disease. I also learned a lot about the heart and the different procedures used to correct problems with it. It was a great listen!
November 5, 2020
As a heart warrior myself, this was fascinating. Politics aside, VP Cheney has had an amazing run with cardiology.
November 26, 2013
This was a really good book. I was hooked from the iBook preview. The book traces Dick Cheney’s heart (yes, Liberals, he does have one. Turn off MSNBC) and it’s sordid conditions and treatments. Cheney has had serious heart issues ever since he was in his 30s. The chapters seem to be broken down by whatever condition he was having at the time and what was going on in his life. Heart attack, bypass, clots, A-Fib, V-Fib, transplant, whatever. It seems his heart has had everything a heart can have done to it. I believe that was the main reason they wanted to write the book.
The really cool thing is that a chapter will start with Cheney describing what was going on in his life. Then he would describe something happening heart-wise. Then the doctor (Jonathan Reiner) writes a section that describes the heart situation and what he or others had to do to resolve it. He also would throw in the history of whatever procedure or drug or mechanism was used in treatment.
It was interesting to read about the history of heart treatments. It was also interesting to read about all the things that happen because you are the Vice President. All the coordination of hospitals, Secret Service, doctors, etc. I came away with a much better understanding of what it’s like to be in the cardiology world and what it’s like to treat a very high profile person like Dick Cheney.
The really cool thing is that a chapter will start with Cheney describing what was going on in his life. Then he would describe something happening heart-wise. Then the doctor (Jonathan Reiner) writes a section that describes the heart situation and what he or others had to do to resolve it. He also would throw in the history of whatever procedure or drug or mechanism was used in treatment.
It was interesting to read about the history of heart treatments. It was also interesting to read about all the things that happen because you are the Vice President. All the coordination of hospitals, Secret Service, doctors, etc. I came away with a much better understanding of what it’s like to be in the cardiology world and what it’s like to treat a very high profile person like Dick Cheney.
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