Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease    by Janet Bond Brill & Annabelle S. Volgman Order:  USA  Can Three Rivers, 2011 (2011) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson In her Foreword to Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease, cardiologist Dr. Annabelle Volgman tells us that 'Thirty percent of first heart attacks result in sudden cardiac death' and that for prevention, 'A whole package of lifestyle changes is needed, including the foods you eat and the physical activities you pursue.' She recommends this 'take-home book for heart attack survivors', not only to prevent a second heart attack, but to avoid the first one. In her Introduction, Janet Brill quotes a research study showing that a Cretan Mediterranean diet 'cuts the risk of a second heart attack by a phenomenal 50 to 70 percent'! Seems like a no brainer to follow this lifestyle, but many heart attack survivors are not getting the message. The book is divided into three parts - How You Got Heart Disease in the First Place (read it to understand the disease and the logic behind the preventive steps that follow); Reversing Heart Disease with Eight Foods and Exercise (avoiding those that harm, enjoying those that heal - from extra virgin olive oil to red wine and dark chocolate - and walking for heart-healthy exercise); and The Prevent a Second Heart Attack Plan in Action (a fourteen day meal plan, with enticing recipes). If you are at risk of a heart attack, have had one yourself, or have watched a loved one go through it (as I have), then this is one book you really must have - and must follow carefully. In my family's case, there was an excellent lifestyle program associated with the hospital's cardiology unit, so much of this was not new. But I understand that this kind of counselling is rare and, even with it, there were still precious nuggets of advice to be gleaned from the book. Also the recipes are both healthy and scrumptious - we already enjoyed Chef Mario Spina's Green Pea and Lima Bean Soup, and have a long list of others to incorporate into our regular meals. All in all, Prevent a Second Heart Attack is a lifesaver. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews