Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain: The Personalized Path to Protect Your Memory, Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes, and Avoid Chronic Illness

by Bradley Bale, Amy Doneen, Lisa Collier Cool (Contributor)

The founders of the renowned Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Center offer a proven, personalized plan to prevent and reverse arterial diseaseDid you know that you have more than 60,000 miles of blood vessels in your body? Arteriology studies this complex system to optimize both your heart and brain health together, and can help people avoid heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and more. Bradley Bale, MD, and Amy Doneen, DNP, two of the world's most influential cardiologists, have developed a method that transcends the medical silos of cardiology, neurology, endocrinology and other specialties with a holistic approach designed to protect and enhance the health of the heart, brain and other vital organs, as well as the blood vessels that supply them. In Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain, Bale and Doneen present a unique, comprehensive program for preventing and reversing cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders that specifically addresses the rising--and alarming--trend of middle-aged people who are increasingly susceptible to cardiovascular and neurological events, including dementia and fatal heart attacks. By taking factors like lifestyle, genetics, oral health, neurological health, and hormonal health into account, Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain offers highly personalized advice that can be tailored to any individual, arming readers of all ages, backgrounds, shapes, and sizes with the knowledge they need to approach their healthcare options as empowered, informed patients.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook

Audio CD

Published March 15, 2022

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite honestly, I found this book interesting and helpful, but I got lost a few times in the abbreviations for the diseases and tests. I wish the authors would have spelled out the abbreviations a few times to remind me what they stood for. I did find the research extensive and the latest findings, including some 2022 studies. At the back of the book is an Appendix: Optimal Goals and Health Metrics Chart. I found the Appendix helpful and easier to comprehend because it gave the test names and its abbreviation, plus the purpose for the test and the optimal range for a healthy, happy heart.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book about how a team of medical professionals work to perfect the Bale/Doneen method to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, while also using their knowledge to improve memory and other relevant medical issues.

I loved this book and enjoyed making the YouTube video review for this title: https://youtu.be/fZpxdDp2I18

[Karlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Beat The Heart Attack gene. This is sort of an updated and a bit more simplified version of it which I appreciated. I do feel there were way too many anecdotal stories in it and a lot of repetition. (From that point I would have rated it lower but it’s overall content deserve a high mark) I did appreciate refreshing what I got from the first book and adding to it even more with the brain aspect too. I still will recommend the first one more although this one may be better geared for the lay person. As a dentist, I really appreciated the continued insights on the oral health and systemic health correlation. The first one showed helped me learn more about risk factors and genetic factors I didn’t know I had so I can be more aware. This one reminded me of things I had forgotten about from the first and helped me realize some of the things I still personally need to work on. I still wish I had better resources for a Mediterranean diet plan. I highly recommend the Bale and Doneen way of looking at your health and appreciate all they have done publicizing it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book and found it fascinating and informative. If you or a loved one has high blood pressure or high cholesterol or dementia or diabetes or are at risk for any of the above, read this book. There is a quiz at the beginning to tell you where you fall as far as risks for arterial diseases. The doctors suggest several different tests not always thought of by primary care physicians.

[Francine Abel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the part how you can influence your health by eating a good diet, exercise tc, but as for all the tests I should be getting to know my risks, I know that this is not an option. These tests are not offer in a preventive manner here in Canada.

[Healthypedia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn how to prevent heart and brain disease through a holistic approach to cardiovascular health with ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain.’

Were you aware that in the United States, a heart attack or stroke occurs every forty seconds, and dementia develops in someone every sixty-five seconds?

In their groundbreaking book ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain,’ internationally acclaimed cardiovascular experts Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen introduce an innovative approach to prevent these catastrophic occurrences and even reverse the underlying condition responsible for them.

In this review, we will take a closer look at the book and learn about how to prevent heart and brain diseases before they are even evident.


About the authors

Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen are renowned international leaders in the field of preventive medicine, specialising in heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and chronic disease prevention.

They are the co-founders of the BaleDoneen Method, established in 1999, which has been proven effective in identifying, stabilising, and reversing arterial disease through peer-reviewed studies.

Both doctors hold academic appointments at prominent institutions and have contributed significantly to the field of preventive medicine. Dr. Doneen operates the Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Center in Spokane, Washington, where she provides patient care and trains healthcare providers in the BaleDoneen Method.


What is the book about?

“Superior doctors prevent the disease. Mediocre doctors treat the disease before it is evident. Inferior doctors treat the full-blown disease.”

The book ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain’ aims to enable readers to boost their cardiovascular health and prevent arterial disease by following a personalised plan from Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen, the founders of the renowned Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Center.

The BaleDoneen Method takes a holistic approach that goes beyond individual medical specialities like cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology. It aims to optimise the health of the heart, brain, and other vital organs, as well as the blood vessels that supply them.

‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain’ presents a comprehensive program designed to prevent chronic diseases and memory loss in people of all ages, regardless of their body type, medical history, or genes. It includes precision medical methods to prevent ageing-related diseases, information on the best and worst supplements and foods for heart health, ten lifestyle moves to reduce dementia risk, insights into genes that elevate cardiovascular risk, and the top ten heart attack prevention tips for women.

With its focus on reclaiming health and introducing simple screening tests and diagnostics, ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain’ transforms the concept of preventative medicine and holistic health. Drs. Bale and Doneen’s approach eliminates the need to visit different specialists for various body parts, making it a crucial read for those seeking to prioritise their health and longevity.


Key takeaways from ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain’

1. Dental and cardiovascular health are closely interconnected

The book emphasises the link between cardiovascular and dental health. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, makes you more susceptible to various chronic conditions including heart and brain ones.

In fact, people with periodontitis are 2.5 times more likely to suffer heart attacks and 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those with healthy gums.

It is advised to partner with your dental provider and establish objectives to elevate your oral health to a higher standard; request your dental provider to screen for periodontal and endodontic issues and assess you for high-risk oral bacteria; maintain regular brushing and flossing routines as they contribute to disinfecting your entire mouth; and schedule dental cleanings at least twice a year or as recommended by your dental provider.

2. Intermittent fasting has a plethora of cardiovascular benefits

Intermittent fasting is usually taken as a method of losing weight. However, it offers a multitude of cardiovascular benefits, as evidenced by new and recent studies. Adopting this eating regimen can help prevent the development of arterial plaque by reducing cholesterol trapping, lowering endothelial inflammation, and decreasing levels of harmful particles like small, dense LDL and ApoB. Moreover, individuals practising intermittent fasting can experience significant improvements in their arterial wellness, including reduced risk for blood clots.

The book provides an example of a clinical trial conducted in 2021 that further revealed that intermittent fasting leads to decreased body fat, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers, while also improving blood vessel function, food metabolism, and gut health.

3. Mindful practices enhance cardiovascular health through stress alleviation

Chronic stress can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The activation of the amygdala, a brain area involved in stress, can lead to arterial inflammation and further contribute to cardiovascular risks.

‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain’ suggests incorporating mindful meditation and prayer into daily life can effectively reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better arterial wellness. Mindfulness has shown remarkable health benefits, including preserving brain sharpness, reducing inflammation and stress, alleviating chest pain and stress in heart patients, lowering blood pressure, and combating or preventing depression. By adopting mindful practices, individuals can not only enhance their psychological well-being but also protect their cardiovascular health, making it a vital tool for overall wellness.

Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths:
• Extensive research and up-to-date findings, including studies from 2022, provide credible and reliable information.
• Provides actionable advice on preventing cardiovascular disease alongside theoretical information.
• Empowers readers to take charge of their health with accurate information, making it suitable for individuals seeking to improve their lifestyle and well-being.

Weaknesses:
• Some readers feel overwhelmed by the abundance of recommendations for medical tests, which they perceive as intrusive and potentially leading to self-diagnosing non-existent health issues.


Best quotes from ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain’

“Our patients are often shocked to learn that most medical providers still screen patients for arterial disease in the same way they did in the 1990s, when Bill Clinton was president, the macarena was the hottest dance craze... In that era, a then-new screening tool called Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was introduced to help providers identify which patients might be at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes, so they could receive preventive care to protect their arterial health.”

“The researchers report that patients with one copy of the gene responsible for elevated Lp(a) levels are 58 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) while taking a statin for prevention than those without the gene, while risk for CHD is more than doubled in statin users with two copies of the Lp(a) gene!”

“For decades, LDL cholesterol has been vilified as public enemy number one by the medical profession. Yet none of the hundreds of cholesterol studies performed to date has ever shown that LDL causes heart attacks.”


Final takeaway

‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain’ by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and dementia, while optimising overall cardiovascular health.

This book is highly recommended for individuals seeking to proactively improve their lifestyle and protect their health. By delving into the topics covered in ‘Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain,’ readers can gain valuable insights and actionable steps to lead a heart-healthy life.

[Tina Leibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Canadian RN that works in cardiac critical care units .. I absolutely recommend this book. We must look out for our own health to have a good quality of life as we age. Not sure all these lab and diagnostic tests in this book are available in Canada though. I will have to look into that. This book is very informative and if we as individuals know why we are taking certain drugs and benefits of healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen I believe we are much more inclined to follow through with recommendations. We must empower ourself with good sources of accurate information to live our healthiest lifestyle. I thank Dr Bale and Dr Doneen for writing this book, it is good to see medical professionals promoting prevention.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leans a little heavily into the "more tests are more good" thing. Seems like the kind of medical textbook that could convince Hercules himself that he's on death's door.

[ie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a feedback about the book, and also about patience, endurance, and the human capacity to keep reading while repeatedly wondering why. I will recommend the book later - not immediately, but soon enough, if you stay with me.

Let’s start with the style. The writing is somewhere between a medical lecture and a very long hallway where the exit sign keeps moving farther away. Important things are said, then said again, then gently rearranged and said once more, just to be safe. Several times I was close to marking the book as DNF, but recommendations elsewhere insisted it “must be finished,” which made it feel less like reading and more like a cardiovascular stress test.

Here’s the paradox. The ideas, facts, and recommendations are actually strong. Some are genuinely interesting, some practical, and some worth highlighting or revisiting later. The author clearly did enormous work - research, synthesis, and care are all present. The problem is not what is said, but how long it takes to say it. If information were calories, this book would be very healthy and very hard to chew.

To make an analogy: I would like to recommend this book, and I am now recommending it. I previously mentioned that I would recommend it later, and now that later has arrived. As mentioned earlier, this is a recommendation, based on reading the book, not on other recommendations. I know how to read. I learned how to read. I have evidence. Others may also read, but sometimes they mainly type words. Please stay with me until sentence twenty-five, where the recommendation becomes emotionally clear.

The book is also very America-centric. The healthcare assumptions, lifestyle framing, and cultural references make it feel written primarily for an American audience. In that sense, it will likely resonate most with readers who enjoy clear rules, strong personal responsibility narratives, and familiar political-cultural undertones. Some readers may even feel it aligns comfortably with a Trump-era worldview - not aggressively, but unmistakably.

Final verdict: this is a good book trapped inside a difficult book. If you have patience, discipline, and a high tolerance for repetition, you’ll be rewarded with solid insights. If you don’t, you may still finish it - but only because someone on the internet told you that you should.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does contain a lot of good information, however, there is a lot of unneeded information and fluff in my opinion.

The the first of two examples is that every chapter starts in 1 of 2 ways:
1) Meet person X, they were a person that doctors couldn't figure out until they attended out clinic
2) Meet person Y, they were a person who though they had nothing to worry about until they attended our clinic
You then go into about 1/2 the chapter explaining their issues and how their method and their clinic saved their lives and everything else was hopeless.

The second example is that you will read CONSTANTLY something like "Which we'll explain in chapter 9", or "That you will read about in chapter 10." I kid you not, the first 5 - 6 chapters read like previews for the rest of the book.

By the time you get to the end there IS actionable advice. It talks about useful genetic tests you can take, how to live an "optimal life style", drugs and supplements that are good and effective based on outcomes from the genetic tests.

While I CAN still recommend the book, I think I could have likely skipped the first couple hundred pages and still gotten everything I needed out of this book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like the book, REALLY hate the comics. It’s as if one of the author’s had an unemployable cousin and they had to find a purpose for him. They have done themselves a disservice. First, it’s a serious topic and my adding these silly images, they make light of a topic that is not humorous. Second, the drawings are so far removed from what the ideological image they are supposed to depict, it’s just silly.

[Kathleen Scales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important topic, and I appreciate that the authors stress a personalized approach. At times the book feels overwhelming and the science is technical, but the repetition of key factors helps. I took notes, and I plan to use the information in this book to support ongoing consideration and conversations with my healthcare providers and family members.

[Whitney]

A lot of information. Not all of it is new if you've read Weil, Hyman, etc recently. Still a good refresher and the first time I've ever seen a great emphasis on dental care in relation to systemic health .

[David Molina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gained a lot of knowledge about the link between many conditions and life style decisions and your heart health. It was well written but not a light read. I was most surprised by the link between dental health and heart health.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives the latest research -- focusing on heart health. Life saving info!

[Helen Geng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read March 2022

NYPL book

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good advice and some interesting symptoms to watch for.

[Ian McGaffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read of a little disheartening at times. Definitely full of good information and some options to make changes to control heart health.

[John Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason for the 5-star review is because the book answers why "unhealthy people" don't suffer from health issues and why "healthy people" do.

[David G ODay · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT READ

They explain everything so that a lay person can understand. Yet, much of the information is science-based, and thus valuable even to a physician internist.

[Greg Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this or their other book Beat the Heart Attack Gene. No reason to read both.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information was helpful especially if you aging and find yourself with some of these issues or predisposed genetics.

[Josh Larew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content is 5-stars. I am healthy and want to stay that way, but you do have to wade through a lot of content about very sick people trying to turn their lives around.