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Restart Your Heart: The Playbook for Thriving With Afib
Amazon Best Seller in Heart Disease Compelling, expert advice on how to live fearlessly with atrial fibrillation AFib patients, their family, friends, and caregivers are often misinformed about the latest research, advancements, and treatments. In this life-changing book, renowned cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Aseem Desai diminishes the worry and confusion that come with an AFib diagnosis by presenting you with the latest medical information in a concise and positive way. Dr. Desai has made it his mission to significantly improve the lives of those diagnosed with AFib and to offer hope and encouragement to patients and their loved ones. Filled with innovative knowledge and vivid illustrations, Restart Your Heart will empower and inspire you by providing straightforward answers and options to deal with this complex disease. In this comprehensive guide to living your best life with AFib, you
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 13, 2020
Talk about timely! I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Lucky because I have suffered with atrial fibrillation (a-fib) for over 40 years. So here goes a rather long review.
Early in my life, I never knew what a-fib was. I only knew that, at times, my heart would begin to race and skip, and it felt like I was having a heart attack. I best described it as "the little man on my chest jumping up and down". Several times I went to the hospital, but by the time I was seen the a-fib episode was over. Due to a high stress career in law enforcement, the doctors assumed the attacks were caused by stress/depression/anxiety. So they prescribed medications to help. I swear, I have probably tried every prescription for depression/anxiety med known to man. I really wasn't depressed, but I assumed the doctors knew best, so I took them. Some had horrible side effects. But I would go six months to a year or more with no attacks, so everyone assumed I was fixed. Then another attack would occur, and they would switch the med to the "latest and greatest'.
On and on until a period of time in 2013, when I was having another episode. I just assumed it was business as usual. Only this time, it resulted in a massive stroke! I was paralyzed on the left side for an extended period. Doctors couldn't figure out why I had the stroke. My blood pressure and cholesterol level were great. I was in great shape physically. They did every test known to man, and came back normal.
One day, several months later, I was having another episode. I was really scared this time, not wanting another stroke. I went to the ER, where I was treated by a wonderful young doctor. She suggested wearing a Holter monitor for a couple of days, to monitor my heart. She then referred me to a cardiologist. The cardiologist (my hero) then put me on an extended monitoring device that I wore for a couple of weeks. The cardiologist called and asked me to come in. He told me, "Good news! We now know what caused your stroke!" You have a-fib. And we can treat it!" So I went on a blood thinner, and a medication to control my heart beat. And everything was great. Life was good. For the first time in many years.
Then, in late 2019, the a-fib returned. And lasted. On and on. For months. My cardiologist performed a cardio-version. Basically, they shock your heart back into rhythm. Which it did. And he suggested that I get a procedure called "ablation". Where they kill off some of the nerves to your heart that are causing the a-fib. So it was scheduled. And I tried reading everything I could on the subject. There sure is a lot of confusing information out there!
A couple of weeks before the procedure (which had been postponed several times because of the coronavirus), I was sent this book. Talk about a gift from God!
I was able to read EXACTLY what the surgery was going to do. I was able to have an intelligent conversation with the surgeon about the operation. He seemed surprised that I knew so much about it, so I showed him my copy of the book. He looked through it, said it was an excellent source, and was going to recommend it to his patients. How's that for an expert opinion on the worthiness of the book!
Anyway, the surgery went fine. I'm recovered. And at peace. Finally!
THIS IS THE BOOK THAT I WISH I FOUND YEARS AGO!!!! It's loaded with information. It describes everything you could possibly wonder about a-fib. What causes it. How it's diagnosed. How to treat it, all of the different methods of treatment and operations available. And how to live with a-fib, minimize it's occurrences, and how to proceed after treatment.
It's written in such a way that it's fairly easy to understand. Lots of pictures to help explain.
I cannot help but think what my life would have been like if I had found this book years ago. I CANNOT ENCOURAGE YOU ENOUGH, IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A-FIB, SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT ACCEPT NO FOR AN ANSWER. AND GET THIS BOOK, SO YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY TO A CURE. DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE A STROKE!
Early in my life, I never knew what a-fib was. I only knew that, at times, my heart would begin to race and skip, and it felt like I was having a heart attack. I best described it as "the little man on my chest jumping up and down". Several times I went to the hospital, but by the time I was seen the a-fib episode was over. Due to a high stress career in law enforcement, the doctors assumed the attacks were caused by stress/depression/anxiety. So they prescribed medications to help. I swear, I have probably tried every prescription for depression/anxiety med known to man. I really wasn't depressed, but I assumed the doctors knew best, so I took them. Some had horrible side effects. But I would go six months to a year or more with no attacks, so everyone assumed I was fixed. Then another attack would occur, and they would switch the med to the "latest and greatest'.
On and on until a period of time in 2013, when I was having another episode. I just assumed it was business as usual. Only this time, it resulted in a massive stroke! I was paralyzed on the left side for an extended period. Doctors couldn't figure out why I had the stroke. My blood pressure and cholesterol level were great. I was in great shape physically. They did every test known to man, and came back normal.
One day, several months later, I was having another episode. I was really scared this time, not wanting another stroke. I went to the ER, where I was treated by a wonderful young doctor. She suggested wearing a Holter monitor for a couple of days, to monitor my heart. She then referred me to a cardiologist. The cardiologist (my hero) then put me on an extended monitoring device that I wore for a couple of weeks. The cardiologist called and asked me to come in. He told me, "Good news! We now know what caused your stroke!" You have a-fib. And we can treat it!" So I went on a blood thinner, and a medication to control my heart beat. And everything was great. Life was good. For the first time in many years.
Then, in late 2019, the a-fib returned. And lasted. On and on. For months. My cardiologist performed a cardio-version. Basically, they shock your heart back into rhythm. Which it did. And he suggested that I get a procedure called "ablation". Where they kill off some of the nerves to your heart that are causing the a-fib. So it was scheduled. And I tried reading everything I could on the subject. There sure is a lot of confusing information out there!
A couple of weeks before the procedure (which had been postponed several times because of the coronavirus), I was sent this book. Talk about a gift from God!
I was able to read EXACTLY what the surgery was going to do. I was able to have an intelligent conversation with the surgeon about the operation. He seemed surprised that I knew so much about it, so I showed him my copy of the book. He looked through it, said it was an excellent source, and was going to recommend it to his patients. How's that for an expert opinion on the worthiness of the book!
Anyway, the surgery went fine. I'm recovered. And at peace. Finally!
THIS IS THE BOOK THAT I WISH I FOUND YEARS AGO!!!! It's loaded with information. It describes everything you could possibly wonder about a-fib. What causes it. How it's diagnosed. How to treat it, all of the different methods of treatment and operations available. And how to live with a-fib, minimize it's occurrences, and how to proceed after treatment.
It's written in such a way that it's fairly easy to understand. Lots of pictures to help explain.
I cannot help but think what my life would have been like if I had found this book years ago. I CANNOT ENCOURAGE YOU ENOUGH, IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A-FIB, SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT ACCEPT NO FOR AN ANSWER. AND GET THIS BOOK, SO YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY TO A CURE. DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE A STROKE!
June 18, 2026
Restart Your Heart: The Playbook for Thriving with AFib by Aseem Desai is an outstanding resource that transforms a complex and often frightening medical diagnosis into a journey of understanding, empowerment, and hope.
Drawing on extensive clinical expertise, Dr. Desai provides readers with a clear, accessible, and highly practical guide to living well with atrial fibrillation. Rather than overwhelming patients with medical jargon, he explains the condition in a way that is both informative and reassuring, helping readers feel more confident and less intimidated by their diagnosis.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its holistic approach. While it thoroughly covers the science behind AFib, it also acknowledges the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany a diagnosis. Dr. Desai recognizes that managing AFib involves more than understanding the heart it requires resilience, confidence, and the ability to navigate uncertainty with knowledge and support.
The sections addressing risk factors, treatment options, lifestyle modifications, monitoring, and long-term disease management are particularly valuable. Readers are equipped with practical tools and actionable strategies that allow them to become active participants in their own care. The emphasis on informed decision-making and collaboration with healthcare providers further enhances the book’s usefulness.
Equally impressive is the hopeful tone that runs throughout the book. Dr. Desai successfully communicates that an AFib diagnosis does not have to define or limit a person’s life. Instead, with the right knowledge, treatment, and mindset, individuals can regain a sense of control and continue living fully.
Overall, Restart Your Heart is an exceptional guide for patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals alike. It combines medical expertise with genuine compassion, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and encouragement in the face of atrial fibrillation.
Drawing on extensive clinical expertise, Dr. Desai provides readers with a clear, accessible, and highly practical guide to living well with atrial fibrillation. Rather than overwhelming patients with medical jargon, he explains the condition in a way that is both informative and reassuring, helping readers feel more confident and less intimidated by their diagnosis.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its holistic approach. While it thoroughly covers the science behind AFib, it also acknowledges the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany a diagnosis. Dr. Desai recognizes that managing AFib involves more than understanding the heart it requires resilience, confidence, and the ability to navigate uncertainty with knowledge and support.
The sections addressing risk factors, treatment options, lifestyle modifications, monitoring, and long-term disease management are particularly valuable. Readers are equipped with practical tools and actionable strategies that allow them to become active participants in their own care. The emphasis on informed decision-making and collaboration with healthcare providers further enhances the book’s usefulness.
Equally impressive is the hopeful tone that runs throughout the book. Dr. Desai successfully communicates that an AFib diagnosis does not have to define or limit a person’s life. Instead, with the right knowledge, treatment, and mindset, individuals can regain a sense of control and continue living fully.
Overall, Restart Your Heart is an exceptional guide for patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals alike. It combines medical expertise with genuine compassion, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and encouragement in the face of atrial fibrillation.
August 12, 2020
Restart Your Heart by Aseem Desai, MD, FHRS, is a great tool to have in any caregiver's or family member's arsenal. I was a caregiver for my grandma. She had congested heart failure, Alzheimer's Disease, and her heart irregular heart rhythms. The cardiologists recommended that we didn't operate on my grandma. We could have saved her life, if we did. But then with AD, it still would have been a tough journey. I had no idea about the weight gain, the lack of proper food for her diet, and the build up of water in her body. These all lead to the heart failure issues. I was stuck watching and waiting every day as my grandma slowly died under my watch. I couldn't do anything. Her body was at the last stop and it was so severe there wasn't any hope. I was devastated! Anger, hurt, loss, grief, and then blaming myself all the way. If only...
This book gives one a deep inside look at some the the causes of AFib. My grandma's heart issues were some of the causes. I know people who have this particular issue that the book is discussing. I wanted to educate myself better and to let others know they need to read this book. Restart Your Heart discusses and shows you how to be informed, be prepared, and how to be in control of the AFib situations. Overall, I would recommend this to all elderly and to all the caregivers. Be better informed and better prepared for what could happen and how to control it.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
This book gives one a deep inside look at some the the causes of AFib. My grandma's heart issues were some of the causes. I know people who have this particular issue that the book is discussing. I wanted to educate myself better and to let others know they need to read this book. Restart Your Heart discusses and shows you how to be informed, be prepared, and how to be in control of the AFib situations. Overall, I would recommend this to all elderly and to all the caregivers. Be better informed and better prepared for what could happen and how to control it.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
July 13, 2026
Restart Your Heart: The Playbook for Thriving with AFib is an informative and reassuring guide that helps readers navigate the complexities of atrial fibrillation with greater clarity and confidence. Rather than allowing fear and uncertainty to define the experience, Dr. Aseem Desai equips patients and their families with practical knowledge, current treatment insights, and a hopeful outlook that encourages them to take an active role in managing their heart health. The result is a resource that is both educational and empowering.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to make a complex medical condition understandable without oversimplifying it. Dr. Desai explains atrial fibrillation, its causes, treatment options, and lifestyle considerations in a way that is accessible to readers without a medical background. The inclusion of guidance on emotional resilience alongside clinical information creates a well-rounded resource that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of living with AFib.
What makes Restart Your Heart especially valuable is its emphasis on helping readers regain a sense of control. By combining evidence-based information with practical strategies for long-term management, the book empowers patients to approach their diagnosis with knowledge rather than fear. It is an excellent resource for individuals living with AFib, caregivers, and anyone seeking a better understanding of this increasingly common heart condition.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to make a complex medical condition understandable without oversimplifying it. Dr. Desai explains atrial fibrillation, its causes, treatment options, and lifestyle considerations in a way that is accessible to readers without a medical background. The inclusion of guidance on emotional resilience alongside clinical information creates a well-rounded resource that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of living with AFib.
What makes Restart Your Heart especially valuable is its emphasis on helping readers regain a sense of control. By combining evidence-based information with practical strategies for long-term management, the book empowers patients to approach their diagnosis with knowledge rather than fear. It is an excellent resource for individuals living with AFib, caregivers, and anyone seeking a better understanding of this increasingly common heart condition.
May 30, 2021
This book is a short and sweet comprehensive guide for people (or their loved ones) who are living with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The author is an electrophysiologist who regularly treats people with AFib. He does an excellent job of explaining major aspects of AFib diagnosis and treatment without too much medical jargon. I found the book to be easily understandable and a glossary is available for any unfamiliar terms. I really enjoyed learning about the various medical procedures now available to help manage AFib.
The book includes interactive material such as questionnaires about general health, risk factors etc., as well as easy action plans to help change habits and become better informed about AFib. There are also pages that provide sample questions for a person to bring to their doctor, which I found very helpful since it can be difficult to know/remember which questions to ask when you're sitting in a medical office confronting a diagnosis/treatment.
As a healthcare provider, I think this is a useful resource when discussing AFib with my patients and will encourage them to pick up a copy.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
The book includes interactive material such as questionnaires about general health, risk factors etc., as well as easy action plans to help change habits and become better informed about AFib. There are also pages that provide sample questions for a person to bring to their doctor, which I found very helpful since it can be difficult to know/remember which questions to ask when you're sitting in a medical office confronting a diagnosis/treatment.
As a healthcare provider, I think this is a useful resource when discussing AFib with my patients and will encourage them to pick up a copy.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
August 13, 2020
I entered a Goodreads giveaway for this book because my husband was diagnosed with AFib last year and I wanted to learn more about it. In this book, Dr. Desai provides the reader with a great deal of authoritative information about the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation. While there is a lot of technical jargon, Dr. Desai does his best to put it into layman's terms. There are illustrations which help greatly to explain the actions and events that are taking place in the heart when AFib is occurring and also when corrective measures have been put in place. There is a very thorough discussion of medications that are used for the treatment of AFib and I especially appreciated this. Case studies are also presented and there is a helpful glossary. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is wanting more information on this topic.
Thank you to Goodreads and Greenleaf Book Group for the gift of this book that I received in a giveaway.
Thank you to Goodreads and Greenleaf Book Group for the gift of this book that I received in a giveaway.
November 6, 2020
I won a e-book of Restart You Heart in a Goodreads giveaway, my boyfriend has a-fib so I found this to be a interesting read to say the least. Most times when he is in a-fib, he doesn't have any of the symptoms that normally go along with it. This book provides alot of useful information for us, but there was also alot of technical stuff that makes it a little hard to understand. I would certainly recommend this book to those that have the a-fib diagnoise. All opinions expressed here are mine, and I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review.
August 12, 2020
Fabulous!!! Detailed information about Afib. What it is and what you can do for it. Tools for improvement. Understanding that there are many causes and triggers and each person is different. Case studies of 4 very different people and learning how to best help each one. Mostly hope that there are many treatments that can be used for an individual plan. I have already preordered the this for a loved one with Afib and am feeling optimistic for his future. Highly recommend!!!
September 10, 2020
Atrial Fibrillation
Extremely informative and very technical book on the subject matter of Atrial Fibrillation. Decided to read this book with breaks in between and a few pages at a time so I had a greater chance of understanding the material I was reading. I now have a greater understanding of how important it is to keep up with regular follow up appointments with my doctor and also to always take my medication as prescribed.
Extremely informative and very technical book on the subject matter of Atrial Fibrillation. Decided to read this book with breaks in between and a few pages at a time so I had a greater chance of understanding the material I was reading. I now have a greater understanding of how important it is to keep up with regular follow up appointments with my doctor and also to always take my medication as prescribed.
February 13, 2022
When you get a health diagnosis it is wise to learn more about it. This is a well written book, but a bit of a stretch as far as some of the intricacies. Nonetheless, I recommend it because it gives patients more background in this health issue and encourages asking your doctor more questions. The author is a heart doctor and his recommendations make a lot of sense. A good patient needs to be informed.
July 28, 2024
What a wonderful book! Easy to read, easy to understand. Lots of pictures & graphics to help reader understand. This book helped my husband (has afib) and myself be empowered through understanding. Helped us understand probable causes, lifestyle changes, medication decisions, and future procedures/surgeries. I recommend this book to anyone dealing with afib. In fact, I have bought this book for multiple friends!!
August 21, 2020
My boyfriend died three years ago from afib. Wish I had this book back then. It was filled with so much information. My boyfriend was in constant afib and on medication and was told that is only what they could do for him. No surgery would be able to help him which I think his doctor failed him.
December 28, 2022
This Doctor is a great teacher
Did a great deal of research on different blogs and websites about AF. This book pulls it all together. It gives the big picture, breaks it down and also provides actionable knowledge on the condition.
Surprisingly, this doctor speaks in a way even non medical people understand
Did a great deal of research on different blogs and websites about AF. This book pulls it all together. It gives the big picture, breaks it down and also provides actionable knowledge on the condition.
Surprisingly, this doctor speaks in a way even non medical people understand
April 18, 2023
Bought this book after I saw someone in this AFIB support group I belong to recommended it. It is a good read, some of the explanations were too medically technical for me, but I did glean alot of information about Afib--which I am dealing with right now. I would recommend it to anyone who is dealing with this ailment.
September 11, 2020
Unique presentation, informative and thorough, and heartfelt (no pun intended). I don't have afib myself (I read it for a family member who does), but to the best of my knowledge this is a great resource for those who do.
September 21, 2020
As a spouse to a AFib patient, I found this book very interesting. There were many new to me concepts to consider. I
AFib is unfamiliar to me and I was delighted to receive this book free. My honest opinion: very informative to this niche.
AFib is unfamiliar to me and I was delighted to receive this book free. My honest opinion: very informative to this niche.
October 5, 2020
Easy to understand, informative and very helpful. My husband has been living with afib for 10 years and taking coumidin. No one ever explained in a way he could understand all the questions he had about his condition. This fills a niche for folks like us.
October 11, 2020
As someone who works in the medical field, as well as experienced first-hand AFib, this is a great resource. I will definitely recommend this book for my patients, as it breaks it all down into easily understandable terms. I also learned a few things that I will use in my practice. Great read!
June 14, 2026
Very thorough explanation of AFib and the options for managing the condition.
It gave me some comfort through understanding my illness. Some portions were very technical, not what I needed at that moment, but necessary for a thorough explanation.
It gave me some comfort through understanding my illness. Some portions were very technical, not what I needed at that moment, but necessary for a thorough explanation.
September 29, 2020
Interesting read
Read
October 23, 2020I received this book as part of a giveaway.
This book was easy to understand and very informative.
This book was easy to understand and very informative.
February 7, 2021
I’m glad I read this. It is very informative. I knew somebody who died from complications of an afib. :(
January 13, 2025
Good resource for information on overcoming Afib
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews