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30-Day Heart Tune-Up: A Breakthrough Medical Plan to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease

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A fully updated and revised edition of THE 30-DAY HEART TUNE-UP, featuring a step-by-step program to optimize your cardiovascular health, boost your energy, slim your waistline, and heat up your sex life -- plus 60 delicious recipes

Cardiovascular disease is America's #1 killer, and while most doctors focus on lowering cholesterol and blood pressure they are overlooking the real culprits: arterial plaque and poor gut health.

The good news is that everyone -- regardless of size, genetics, gender, or age -- can treat arterial plaque, improve their overall health, and prevent heart attacks and strokes with THE 30-DAY HEART TUNE-UP. Inside, you'll discover

A delicious, heart-healthy diet designed to supercharge your heart health
Exercises to improve circulation and strengthen your entire cardiovascular system
Creative and effective techniques for stress management
A customized supplement plan
Cutting-edge science on the fascinating ways the bacteria in your gut can affect the health of your heart.
This fully revised and updated edition of THE 30-DAY HEART TUNE UP includes the latest science on the surprising connections between your gut and your heart as well as tons of new information on reducing cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and chronic inflammation through diet and exercise, it will help you get healthy -- and stay healthy -- for life.

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

217 people are currently reading
680 people want to read

About the author

Steven Masley

14 books42 followers
STEVEN MASLEY, MD is a Fellow with the American Heart Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians,and with the American College of Nutrition. He has devoted his medical career to the study of heart disease and aging, and has published significant research on these subjects in leading medical journals.
Currently he is the president of the Masley Optimal Health Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has a clinical appointment with the University of South Florida.

He is also an instructor of Lasting Leadership with Eckerd College, and has taught at the Center for Leadership with Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa.

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5 stars
113 (30%)
4 stars
139 (37%)
3 stars
87 (23%)
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22 (5%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
1 review
May 13, 2015
I'm still vacillating between three and four stars for this book. If it helps readers to improve their cardiac status and prolong their lives, then it deserves high praise. For those of us who prefer a well-organized reference to a chatty narrative, however, this particular volume does not fill the bill. To extract everything it has to offer, you probably have to plod through it from beginning to end, taking lots of notes as you go.

What some reviewers appreciated about the book -- its casual, flowing, easy-reading style -- is the main thing that frustrated and impeded me. Much of the factual information seems interesting and valuable, but I wish it were better organized, so that you could find specific subtopics or identify important points more easily.

For instance, amidst the mass of introductory and promotional material -- somewhere in the first third or so of the book, although I neglected to nark the place so I could find it again -- Dr. Masley refers to "three supplements" that he recommends for people following his plan. I'm still searching the book in hopes of discovering what those three supplements might be. So far I've read (1) a longish discussion of calcium, what forms of calcium are best, what should be taken with the calcium, etc.; and (2) in another part of the book, a discussion of various supplements that may or may not be needed, depending on (a) whether you have particular sex-related complaints and (b) whether you are male or female. There is no alphabetical index, and the table of contents -- at least in the Kindle version I purchased -- is too general to be helpful.

Dr. Masley impresses me as a sincerely motivated proponent of the heart-healthy lifestyle he advocates. He is a congenial and effective public speaker who has educated many people via television; I myself decided to get hold of his book after catching one of his talks on PBS. He appears to be a family physician with many years' experience, including volunteer work in less advantaged parts of the world. His main areas of interest have been heart disease and aging, although it is not clear whether he is actually a specialist in cardiology or geriatrics. (I have not yet taken the time to track down any of the articles he says he has published in scientific journals -- which may or may not be peer reviewed -- or to check out his previous book on prolonging one's life.) He currently operates his own private practice or clinic, the Masley Optimal Health Center, on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Dr. Masley has also completed a "chef internship" at a Seattle restaurant, which may explain why his recipes are fairly appealing and are somewhat better organized than the rest of the book. Unfortunately there is no suggested shopping list or succinct summary of his recommended diet -- at least not one that I have located so far. He differs from other diet-doctors-in-the-media-spotlight in that he does not completely deprive his patients of fats, eggs, or dairy products. (Non-vegetarians may be pleased to find that he also allows some beef, chicken, pork, and fish.) I personally believe it takes a rare person to remain a continuous fat-free vegan. With all due respect to such celebrities as Dr. Fuhrman and Dr. (Mr.? Prof.?)Pritikin, I am definitely not that person. Besides, current research suggests that the previous demonization of fats was unwarranted, and that -- apart from issues of cruelty to animals in factory farming -- an occasional egg yolk or dollop of yogurt is not particularly damaging.

Dr. Masley does seem to favor brown rice and other whole grains exclusively. It makes sense to choose these over the "stripped and enriched" category of grains. Still, I am waiting to hear from today's experts how so many of the world's peoples, particularly in Asia, have managed to stay healthy on a traditional diet emphasizing white rice! (Maybe sweet or sticky rice and basmati are less denuded of nutrients than U.S. brands?)

Various sections of the book contain some valuable information about the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease, the effects of various types of exercise, the value of a functional or holistic approach to cardiac health and fitness, how-to's for maintaining a healthy sexual relationship with one's partner regardless of age, etc. The many stories and anecdotes the author uses to illustrate his various points are readable and interesting.

My problem is that all this material seems sort of thrown together and casually interwoven in a colorful "stew." Additional information appears to be tacked on to the end of the book in the form of approximately 13 separate lists and miscellaneous addenda, only four or five of which are labeled "appendices." One addendum is entitled "Helpful Resources," and includes everything from (1) the address of Dr. Masley's practice and the names of his various audio and video recordings to (2) the names of companies supplying protein powders and free-range organic meats to(3) sources for heart rate monitors and exercise balls -- actually one source, Dr. Masley's website.

A separate addendum is called "Recommended Reading and Information Sources." It comprises several websites or web searches and various books by Dr. Masley and others, all thrown together in one list.

Still another addendum lists "Supplement Companies I Use"; the list of supplement companies is followed by a sort of footnote or endnote, untitled and unlabeled, referring the reader back to Dr. Masley's website for "details on how to personalize your supplement plan." Aha! -- maybe the website is the place to find those mysterious three supplements the author recommends?

At least these addenda are less rah-rah-life-coach-y than long sections of the text. I may be in a small minority here, but I really prefer a medically oriented book -- even one for lay readers -- to be more factual and straightforward, less interspersed with enthusiastic statements and promises concerning the book and the program. These may be sincerely intended to encourage the reader or maintain her interest, but they resemble the ad copy and PR materials which already inundate most of us both on and off the Internet.

This is not to say that the author patronizes or dumbs down the informative parts of his book; he really does not, but seems to credit the reader with a fair amount of basic intelligence. It's just that there is far too much disorganized and miscellaneous "stuff" here, broken up in an often arbitrary way. A good editor (perhaps a professional medical editor, but even a crack copy editor-generalist or ghostwriter with a few years'experience) could have dieted and exercised this book into much better shape. Even without the major rewrite or reorganization, it might help to have had someone attempt an index.

Much as I'd like to wrap up my review with a helpful summary or conclusion, I'm at a loss to do so. As I think about it, I feel equally ambivalent about every other diet book I've read over the years. I wonder if the genre fails to inspire succinct and logical writing, or if I am simply an unusually demanding reader of diet books?

One addendum of my own: I have read this book only in the ebook format, so possibly it lost something in translation -- the hardbound or paperback version may be easier to follow. Given the rambling conversational style, even the audiobook might be a better bet for some readers.

Profile Image for Mike Zickar.
452 reviews6 followers
January 9, 2015
I listened to the audio version of this book (which was well read), which probably wasn't the ideal way to tackle this material, as there were recipes omitted and details that might better be digested in tabular form.

There is a lot of good material in here. If you are health conscious, you'll likely know much of this information, but even so, it's good to sometimes be reminded of it.

Profile Image for Linda.
516 reviews49 followers
April 28, 2014
Now that my husband and I have reached our "golden years" and are trying to eat and live in a more healthy and life-prolonging manner, books like this one come to our attention and we want to see what they're all about. Dr. Masley's plan to prevent and reverse heart disease isn't really new and innovative, per se -- watching what you eat, losing weight, exercising regularly -- but his approach is sensible, well organized, explained thoroughly, and it appears to be something that we can embrace. Hopefully we will be able to, as he purports, improve not only our heart health, but our energy level and other facets of our lives, too. At this point we have just read the book; the next step is to implement the plan. The 60 recipes sound delicious, so we will try to ditch the red meat and refined sugar, bring on the veggies and whole grains, lace up the walking shoes, and away we'll go! My heart and arteries feel better already!
Profile Image for Jim.
1,790 reviews66 followers
May 24, 2015
The primary thrust of this book is that arterial plaque is what causes heart disease, followed by what people can do to get rid of it. I don't know about the veracity of his claims but the book does lay out a great plan to get healthy. It supports what you already know.

1. Stop eating processed foods, refined foods, and fat; replace them with veggies, beans, nuts, fruit, and whole grains.
2. Exercise daily. Aerobic and strength training.
3. Get rid of stress. (Meditate, get enough sleep, etc.)
4. Have regular sex.

And it does define some pretty practical exercise you can do with minimal equipment.

I think it's really well laid out. Again, not sure about the veracity of the basic premise. And a lot of it is real common sense. But it's a good read and well organized.
Profile Image for Kristi Clemow.
916 reviews13 followers
April 30, 2022
For the most part, there isn't that much new in this book, especially from a functional medicine point of view. However, I like how he focuses specifically on the heart and gives clear, concise, realistic direction on how to improve your health. All stuff we should know in general - whole foods, exercise, less stress, etc- but there are quite a few insights that I haven't heard elsewhere. I should probably wait for the 30 days to actually review the book - but my ability to follow his instructions doesn't really take away from the fact that I think the book is good
Profile Image for William.
24 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2017
I read and reread and followed the advice in this book and lowered my cholesterol from 298 to 189 in a few months. I am not a doc nor am I a study, I just wanted to put out my results.
It was a pretty easy read and easy to follow. There were several case studies and the author tended to focus on the overweight readers. It was understandable, but I am not part of that group. I am the guy with the 33 inch waist who runs, competes in triathlons, lifts weights, and had high cholesterol.
Once I backed off the regimen he suggests, my cholesterol went back up to 230. That suggests to me that the ideas work.
Profile Image for Wentworth Rollins.
Author 1 book2 followers
July 27, 2019
As we all age, we become more and more interested in what we "should be doing"! After some personal alerts, I found this book to be a good guide to a better daily plan. I especially like the recommendation for vitamins and the menus.

The meditation ideas were both "useful" and "doable". The carefully outlined approach is well written and easy to follow to maximize the benefits. If this is a new skill, this book will get you started in a simple, effective manner.

The writer delivered on the promise to add to the reader's path to "health and wellness".
267 reviews
March 22, 2022
Reasonable diet and very helpful supplement plan

Unlike some other heart healthy diets, this one is less restrictive. I just can't see myself going strictly vegetarian as other books recommend. My experience is the best diet is the one you are able to adhere to, and for me this seems to be doable. I saw a ton of value in his supplement recommendations and bought all of those based on his lists. I already exercise 6 days per week so what started as a scary prognosis has turned into another challenge that I feel ready to meet. Thank you, Dr. Masley
Profile Image for Denise Wilson.
5 reviews
July 2, 2019
I watched Dr Masley on a PBS special and with two parents who struggled with heart disease, I’m always curious about new approaches to improving my health. I found some helpful ideas on measuring cardiac fitness and it’s been helpful I my endeavors to improve my fitness level as well as losing weight. He provides adequate details and background knowledge without overwhelming the reader. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mrs C.
1,286 reviews31 followers
December 22, 2020
It’s a reissue but still worth taking a look for health and fitness collections. For those serious about heart health, there are lots of information here on sleep, fitness, food, medication etc.

Thanks to the publisher for letting me read.
Profile Image for Tomoko.
24 reviews
June 12, 2023
Great reference

I have read this book as a part of my study, but it turned into a great reference book. I felt his program advertisement was annoying though.
630 reviews3 followers
not-going-to-read
October 5, 2023
I’ll refer to this book for some recipes like the salmon spread.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5 reviews
March 13, 2024
Salesy at first but if you get past all the convincing you to try this plan part there’s actually some useful knowledge that I have incorporated into my life.
Profile Image for Dee Renee  Chesnut.
1,727 reviews40 followers
October 8, 2016
I watched a PBS show during a pledge drive that piqued my interest and I borrowed it from my local library.
I need more than 30-days to make these suggestions for a lifestyle change into habits. I thought I was doing enough exercise and choosing the right foods, and there is room for improvement. I also need to add daily meditation or other relaxation activity to reduce cortisol levels.
I recommend this for all readers.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,192 reviews205 followers
September 18, 2014
30 day heart tuneup by Dr. Steven Massley
Heart healing food, strength exercising and much more to help you get rid of the plaque in your arteries.
Should reverse heart attack damage and feel younger.
The Bruce exercise sounds like something we really need to learn about as it strengthens the inside of your body, organs, etc.
We have made major changes in our lives after my husband's heart attack. I am using the same techniques he is doing because if they are good for him they are good for me and my heart disease problems.
Dietary and exercise programs I always want to learn about as we have an elliptical in our living room now to use daily.
Learned so much more than what I have previously read and things from webinars. Love food and spice tips.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
19 reviews
July 15, 2014
The author of the book really knows what he is talking about, because not only does he write about it he also practices it for a living.
THe whole book was a breeze to read, everything is easy to comprehend for every kind of person.
What I really liked was the book gives a bunch of different exercises that not only help you get in shape but also are supposed to help your heart get stronger.
I haven't tried out the recipes yet, but some of them really do seem delicious.
Overall, a book with a TON of information covering many different bases.
The book was given to me by Goodreads Firstreads.
Profile Image for Hal.
667 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2014
This is a fantastic book for anyone concerned about their condition and preparedness to take on the number one killer, heart disease. Dr. Masley addresses so many vital areas in this battle and in a way that is easy to follow and understand in practical everyday terms. Well worth the time spent in reading and acting. Exercise, nutrition, and stress management are all covered in detail and strategy. The food prep I find always the most challenging in these types of books and this is no exception. It is so important though as the food processing folks are simply major contributors to our national epidemic
858 reviews26 followers
April 16, 2014
I found this book to be direct and easy to read. There are several recipes within that I will be trying. It is mostly a recap of the things you probably have already been told are good for you, but they are said in a very reader-friendly manner. The diet is essentially one that I paid a lot of money for previously at a diet center. I will use this volume from my public library for a couple of weeks before deciding whether to purchase my own copy. If you are looking for an eating plan to restore your health, this could be a very good place to start.
Profile Image for Ancuta.
22 reviews7 followers
January 16, 2015
I read some books on health topics, but this one was one of the best. It is written in an easy way, so that everyone can understand the topic, and it is fairly complete, dealing with subjects like stress and romance besides the well known sport and food for the health of our hearts. It brought me more than I expected, and the unpleasant part was when I realized that I am not doing everything right either. Well, there is always room for more! Bottom line: a well-worth read if you are interested in the health of your heart, but also on your general state of health and well-being.
321 reviews
July 7, 2014
After just having a heart attack thought I would give this book a chance. Most was pretty straightforward and some of the recipes did actually look good. Also, found the carotid intimal medial thickness testing an interesting way to check out vessel problems. As with all health books it is hard to realistically live this way every day.
Profile Image for Angela Boord.
Author 11 books117 followers
April 20, 2014
Read this because my father-in-law mentioned he had seen the author on PBS and was ordering his program. Seems much saner than the current "heart-healthy" diets usually recommended, although the emphasis is still on low-fat dairy products.
Profile Image for Louis.
281 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2016
Pulled this e-book out if the library during a PBS special during a pledge week. Liked the show and the book was a very thorough review of relevant heart topics. While I, like most people, know some of this stuff, there was enough new material for me to recommend this book.
Profile Image for J R.
613 reviews
January 1, 2017
Great book to start and Reboot my health. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking to change how they eat without dieting. It's a new way of life not a diet book. Wish there were 10 stars to rate this book
516 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2016
Friendly and practical.

Paleo/Real food and 'eat less exercise more' (happily, explains benefits other than burning off energy).

I hardly skimmed the recipes (ch 10).
12 reviews
January 1, 2018
I'm still young and in fairly good shape, but this book was a good read to remind me of what I can do to stay in shape and have a clean heart and circulatory system and prevent damage as I age.
Profile Image for Grace37.
22 reviews
June 21, 2015
Would recommend learned a lot by reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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