One Beat at a Time: Living With Sudden Cardiac Death

by Matthew D. Noble

Not many twenty eight years olds have enough life experiences to write an entertaining autobiography. Matthew D. Noble could have written three by now. Born in 1976 with an abnormal heart, he spent his formative years literally wondering if his next heartbeat would be his last. He escaped sudden cardiac death five times before the age of 18, amazing when you consider that over 95% of people who have an episode like Matthew’s don’t survive. How did he survive five? This book details the miraculous stories of how two nurses; a gym teacher, an implantable defibrillator (ICD) and an overheated car all had something to do with keeping him alive. Yet surviving wasn’t the difficult part. Learning how to live without waiting to die would be the struggle that would accompany Matthew through his teens. This is his story, an entertaining and amazing tale of courage, fulfillment, and self-realization, unlike any other.

Genres: Medical

248 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kristy Galda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received this book from my cardiologist 5 days ago and couldn't put this book down. I was born with TGA 35 years ago and although my story differs from Matt's I found that we both went through the same things. multiple surgeries, hospital stays, and high anxiety. He tries to look forward through all his struggles, something he struggles with daily. As I do too. But as a fellow heart patient it was nice to see the "feeling every heartbeat," secretly taking your pulse, worrying about the future, not being able to sleep because you feel funny, and more are normal. I recommend this book to any CCHD patient.

[Shanna Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the start and I couldn’t put it down! Matt has beat some crazy odds in his lifetime living with sudden cardiac arrest, very inspirational and gave me a window into what it’s like to live with an ICD. He wrote that he wants the book to feel like he is sitting down talking to his friends but it came off a little raw and could use a bit more polishing. I hope they write another book updating on more of his gripping story from the last 15 years.

[Sarah Marchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. For one reason I grew up with Matt going to school and graduating with him in Montrose Michigan. I always knew he struggled with heart issues but reading his book really opened my eyes to all he went through. I enjoyed reading about how his parents found faith in God through all of this as well as when he did as well. It was very encouraging. I am hoping Matt will write another book about all he went through after this book where he met his wife had his kids and then had to go on the heart and liver transplant list and what that was like and how he is doing now post transplant. I could t be happier for him knowing he is finally truly healed.

[Wendy Blankinship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first learned about Matt Noble’s story while teaching one of his daughters! Being blessed to receive a copy of his book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his physical journey dealing with a very serious heart condition and his spiritual journey as he came to know the goodness of God. His story is honest and raw, as well as very inspirational.!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy and interesting read. A better editor would have helped.

[Clare Mallette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the inspiring story of a young man growing up and living with the daily fear of sudden cardiac death. It's a strong example of brave parenting, perseverance and acceptance; of living without becoming/ raising a cardiac cripple. The book is a very good read for young men & women/kids suffering with SCD or related chronic heart problem - and for their parents & families. It is also insightful for anyone who is interested in gaining a better understanding of what it is like for those with the disease. God bless the inventors of the AICD as they have provided a security others can take for granted - a mostly "normal" life.

[Kristi]

I found this book very interesting. Even though I work with this patient population everyday, this story opened my eyes. I recomend this book :)