10 Cardiology Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Joel Kahn, Neal Barnard, and Paul Kedrosky recommend these Cardiology Books to help you master cardiovascular health and care.

Zoe Harcombe
Paul Kedrosky
Updated on June 23, 2025
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What if the key to unlocking better heart health has been hiding in plain sight? Cardiovascular disease remains a leading global challenge, yet insights from experts like Joel Kahn and Neal Barnard reveal how lifestyle and science intertwine to reshape prevention and care. This moment calls for a fresh look at heart health, combining cutting-edge research with practical strategies.

Cardiology luminaries such as Joel Kahn, author of The Plant-Based Solution, and Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, lend their voices to this curated collection. Their clinical experience and advocacy for nutrition-based approaches provide a compelling foundation. Meanwhile, Paul Kedrosky, an investor known for his interest in health innovation, highlights the nuanced risks endurance athletes face, offering a broader cardiology perspective.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific heart health, lifestyle, and risk factors might consider creating a personalized Cardiology book that builds on these insights, blending expert knowledge with your unique circumstances.

Best for nutrition-focused cardiology readers
Joel Kahn, author of The Plant-Based Solution and cardiologist, recommends this book after witnessing how dietary changes transformed his patients' outcomes. He says, "The End of Heart Disease lays out the science and steps to prevent and reverse the epidemic of heart disease. This must read book will be required for every one of my patients and family." Kahn’s endorsement carries weight given his clinical experience addressing cardiovascular health through plant-based nutrition. Alongside him, Neal Barnard, an adjunct professor of medicine, praises the book’s empowering approach that strengthens heart health and overall wellness, revealing how Dr. Fuhrman’s extensive expertise answers crucial questions on prevention and reversal.

Recommended by Joel Kahn

Author of The Plant-Based Solution

The End of Heart Disease lays out the science and steps to prevent and reverse the epidemic of heart disease. This must read book will be required for every one of my patients and family.

2016·448 pages·Heart Disease, Health, Healthy Living, Cardiology, Preventive Medicine

What if everything you knew about heart disease was wrong? Joel Fuhrman, a board-certified family physician and nutritional researcher, challenges conventional cardiology by arguing that diet alone can prevent and even reverse heart disease without surgery or drugs. You’ll learn how specific nutrient-dense foods lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and heal coronary artery damage, with detailed meal plans and recipes tailored for heart health. This book suits those seeking control over cardiovascular conditions through nutrition rather than invasive procedures or medications. While it demands commitment to lifestyle changes, it provides a clear, evidence-informed roadmap for reclaiming heart health.

New York Times Bestseller
Author of multiple bestselling health books
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Best for skeptics of cholesterol theory
Zoe Harcombe, known for her expertise in diet and health commentary, discovered this book while exploring fresh perspectives on cardiology. She shared, "Chatting with @malcolmken about his brilliant (and as funny as ever) new book," highlighting how it challenged her thinking on heart disease causes. This perspective, blending scientific rigor with humor, helped her reconsider the role of cholesterol and blood clotting in cardiovascular health. Similarly, P. D. Mangan, a microbiologist focused on health optimization, called it a "Fantastic book," underscoring its impact on those seeking deeper understanding beyond traditional cardiology theories.
ZH

Recommended by Zoe Harcombe

Health and diet commentator

Chatting with @malcolmken about his brilliant (and as funny as ever) new book (from X)

2021·332 pages·Heart Disease, Cardiology, Health, Thrombogenesis, Cholesterol Debate

When Dr Malcolm Kendrick first challenged the mainstream cholesterol hypothesis, he reshaped how you understand heart disease by focusing on thrombogenesis—the role of blood clotting. You’ll gain insight into the scientific debate surrounding cardiovascular risk factors, including sickle cell disease and diabetes, all woven into a detective-story style narrative. Chapters dissect selective reporting and data manipulation, revealing the mysteries behind decades of medical consensus. This book is ideal if you want to question conventional wisdom and explore alternative explanations for heart disease beyond cholesterol.

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Best for personalized heart care plans
This AI-created book on heart disease prevention is tailored to your unique health profile and goals. By sharing your background, current lifestyle, and specific concerns, you receive a customized guide focused on what truly matters for your heart. Unlike one-size-fits-all advice, this book is created to fit your personal context, helping you develop a clear, actionable plan for heart health that feels relevant and manageable.
2025·50-300 pages·Cardiology, Cardiovascular Health, Risk Assessment, Dietary Interventions, Physical Activity

This personalized book provides a detailed approach to preventing and managing heart disease tailored to your unique risk factors, lifestyle, and goals. It offers a personalized framework integrating current preventive strategies, risk assessment techniques, and lifestyle modifications that fit your specific context. The content covers cardiovascular health fundamentals, dietary interventions, physical activity guidelines, medication management principles, and stress reduction techniques. By focusing on what matters most for your heart, it cuts through generic advice and provides an individualized path forward. Readers receive a tailored approach that balances clinical insights with practical steps, addressing your personal challenges and helping you navigate heart health proactively and effectively.

Tailored Framework
Cardiovascular Risk Modeling
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for endurance athletes and coaches
Paul Kedrosky, an investor at SK Ventures, known for his sharp insights into health and technology, recommended this book after following cardiology discussions closely. He tweeted, "@drjohnm @nntaleb Terrific book, Nassim. You will enjoy it." His appreciation highlights how this book challenges common assumptions about exercise and heart health. Triathlete Magazine also praises it as a must-read for athletes, emphasizing its practical advice on protecting the heart while pursuing endurance sports.
PK

Recommended by Paul Kedrosky

Investor at SK Ventures

@drjohnm @nntaleb Terrific book, Nassim. You will enjoy it. (from X)

2016·320 pages·Cardiology, Sports Health, Exercise, Heart Conditions, Arrhythmia

Unlike most cardiology books that focus solely on promoting exercise, this book confronts the lesser-discussed risks of excessive endurance training on heart health. Drawing from Dr. John Mandrola's expertise as a cardiac electrophysiologist and athlete, alongside Chris Case's investigative journalism, you learn to identify symptoms like arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation common in endurance athletes. It explains complex medical conditions in accessible terms and offers guidance on prevention, treatment, and lifestyle modifications, including medication and safe supplements. If you compete in endurance sports or advise such athletes, this book provides critical insights to protect your heart without giving up your passion.

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Best for plant-based heart health cooks
Colin Campbell, co-author of The China Study and professor emeritus at Cornell, brings a unique perspective to this cookbook, deeply valuing its role in heart health. His endorsement highlights the book's impact on treating and reversing heart disease through plant-based recipes crafted by Ann and Jane Esselstyn. Campbell emphasizes how these recipes support health beyond just heart disease, reflecting Dr. Esselstyn’s impressive research. Actor and diet advocate Samuel Jackson also shares a personal journey, surprised by the transformation plant-based, oil-free cooking brought him, including significant weight loss and improved wellbeing. Both experts reflect how this book challenges conventional eating habits and offers a fresh take on nutrition for heart health.

Recommended by Colin Campbell

Co-author of The China Study, Cornell Professor Emeritus

This is a great cookbook for treating and reversing heart disease as well as a wide variety of other ailments and diseases. So hear the whisper of your heart and do it a favor. Try these recipes and see for yourself what a fantastic difference they can make for your health. Dr. Esselstyn’s amazing accomplishments are backed up by Ann and Jane’s health enriching recipes.

2014·288 pages·Cardiology, Heart Disease, Vegetarian Nutrition, Healthy Cooking, Plant-Based Diet

The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook offers over 125 plant-based recipes developed by Ann and Jane Esselstyn, who bring decades of culinary and nutritional expertise. Drawing from Ann's lifelong commitment to plant-based nutrition alongside her husband Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr.'s groundbreaking research, the book teaches you how to prepare meals that support heart health through wholesome, oil-free ingredients. You'll find recipes ranging from quick, simple dishes like Fast Pasta and Greens to indulgent treats like Kale Cake, designed to help you embrace a lifestyle that may influence coronary disease outcomes. This cookbook is best suited for those interested in heart-healthy cooking and anyone willing to explore plant-based dietary changes as a path to better health.

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Best for adults with congenital heart disease
Stephen Porges, a distinguished university scientist at Indiana University, highlights this book for its deeply personal and hopeful perspective on congenital heart disease. After witnessing the limited resources available for adults with CHD, he champions the authors' blend of personal experience and professional insight. "Tracy Livecchi and Liza Morton share a story of courage and hope for those who are living with a con..." This book reshaped his understanding by illuminating the psychosocial aspects often neglected in cardiology, emphasizing the importance of community and emotional care alongside medical treatment.

Recommended by Stephen Porges

Distinguished University Scientist, Indiana University

Tracy Livecchi and Liza Morton share a story of courage and hope for those who are living with a congenital heart condition. The authors through their own experiences give voice to the CHC community. They relate their own heroic experiences as they sought an understanding of how their diagnosis influenced their ability to live a full life. We learn from their pioneering journey of self-exploration that, even with limited information from the medical community, they sought to understand their feelings and even metabolic resources. The story is optimistic as we learn that with appropriate medical care and a supportive community, individuals with CHC can live full lives, successfully have families, and navigate being a successful professional.

2023·304 pages·Cardiology, Heart Disease, Chronic Illness, Mental Health, Psychosocial Support

Unlike most cardiology books that focus narrowly on surgical or medical interventions, this book explores the often-overlooked psychosocial challenges faced by adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD). Written by Tracy Livecchi and Liza Morton, both mental health professionals who have CHD themselves, the book offers evidence-based coping strategies woven with personal narratives that bring authenticity to its guidance. You’ll gain insights into managing anxiety, depression, and the social isolation common to this community, alongside practical advice on navigating lifelong medical care and emotional resilience. It’s particularly suited for adults with CHD and their caregivers seeking a more holistic understanding beyond clinical treatment.

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Best for personalized heart action plans
This AI-created book on cardiac wellness is tailored to your specific health profile and goals, providing a focused 30-day plan to improve your heart health. You share your current condition, lifestyle, and areas of concern, and the book delivers daily actions designed just for you. It’s a practical way to get targeted advice that fits your unique situation without wading through generic recommendations.
2025·50-300 pages·Cardiology, Cardiology Wellness, Risk Reduction, Nutritional Guidance, Exercise Planning

This personalized cardiology wellness program offers a focused, month-long plan designed to reduce cardiovascular risk through daily, actionable steps. It provides a tailored approach that integrates lifestyle modification strategies, nutritional adjustments, exercise recommendations, and stress management techniques, all aligned with individual health profiles and goals. The book emphasizes efficient implementation of heart health best practices, cutting through generic advice to fit your unique cardiac wellness needs. Readers gain a personalized framework that addresses risk factors, optimizes cardiovascular function, and supports sustainable behavior change within a 30-day timeline.

Tailored Framework
Cardiac Risk Reduction
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for cardiology practitioners and trainees
Dr. Peter Libby, a cardiovascular medicine specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mallinckrodt Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, brings his extensive expertise to this textbook. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications and multiple prestigious awards including from the American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology, Dr. Libby contributes to a resource that reflects the cutting-edge science and clinical practice in cardiology. His background in cellular physiology and cardiovascular disease research uniquely positions him to guide readers through the complexities of modern cardiovascular medicine.
Braunwald’s Heart Disease, 2 Vol Set: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine book cover

by Peter Libby MD PhD, Robert O. Bonow MD MS, Douglas L. Mann MD, Gordon F. Tomaselli MD, Deepak L. Bhatt MD MPH FACC FAHA FSCAI FESC, Scott D. Solomon MD, Eugene Braunwald MD MD(Hon) ScD(Hon) FRCP··You?

2021·2034 pages·Cardiology, Heart Disease, Precision Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Guidelines

What if everything you knew about cardiovascular medicine was challenged by rapidly evolving science? This edition of Braunwald’s Heart Disease, led by Dr. Peter Libby and other experts, integrates the latest breakthroughs—from AI applications to precision medicine—into a trusted clinical framework. You’ll explore new chapters on topics like cardiac amyloidosis and environmental impacts on heart health, along with up-to-date AHA and ESC guidelines that clarify diagnostic and treatment decisions. This book suits cardiology practitioners and trainees who need current, evidence-based insights without losing sight of foundational principles.

Selected for Doody’s Core Titles® 2024
Elsevier Published
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Best for cardiac surgeons specializing in bypass
David P Taggart, Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Oxford, brings decades of surgical expertise and research to this authoritative text. Having published over 300 peer-reviewed papers and served as past president of the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, his background underscores the book’s depth. This work reflects his commitment to advancing surgical coronary revascularization, providing an indispensable resource for surgeons and health professionals striving to improve patient care through detailed, evidence-based surgical guidance.
State of the Art Surgical Coronary Revascularization book cover

by David P Taggart, John D Puskas··You?

2021·520 pages·Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Coronary Bypass, Ischemic Heart Disease

When David P Taggart first recognized the complexities within surgical coronary revascularization, he aimed to create a detailed resource that goes beyond basics into every surgical nuance. Drawing from his extensive experience and collaboration with over 100 experts, this book walks you through 71 chapters covering pathophysiology, patient evaluation, and both on- and off-pump surgical techniques. You gain a deep understanding of conduit selection, perioperative management, and quality assessment, emphasizing evidence-based practices that can help improve outcomes. This is an essential reference if you’re a cardiac surgeon or health professional specializing in coronary artery disease, seeking thorough guidance on managing complex surgical scenarios.

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Best for clinicians mastering cardiology pharmacology
Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor at Harvard Medical School, brings his extensive clinical and research expertise to this updated reference. His leadership in interventional cardiology and commitment to evidence-based practice shape this guide, designed to make pharmacologic treatment in cardiology more accessible and current for practitioners.
2020·720 pages·Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Drug Guides, Cardiology, Medicine, Lipid Lowering

When Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, approached updating this edition, he challenged conventional ways cardiology drugs are taught, aiming to streamline complex pharmacologic knowledge into an accessible companion for busy clinicians. This book offers you clear insights on drug mechanisms, clinical trial evidence, and evolving guidelines, including the latest in lipid-lowering and diabetes therapies impacting cardiovascular care. Detailed Opiegram diagrams clarify drug actions and interactions, making it easier to grasp nuanced treatment strategies. Ideal if you’re a cardiologist, fellow, or healthcare provider seeking quick, evidence-based drug information without sifting through bulky texts.

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Best for advanced cardiology students and researchers
Dr. Peter Libby, a cardiovascular specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mallinckrodt Professor at Harvard Medical School, brings decades of expertise to this textbook. With over 500 peer-reviewed works and prestigious awards worldwide, his background grounds this edition’s insights in both clinical practice and cutting-edge research. Driven by his deep involvement in cardiovascular science and education, he ensures this book reflects the rapidly evolving landscape of heart disease, making it a critical resource for those seeking authoritative knowledge in cardiology.
Braunwald's Heart Disease, Single Volume: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine book cover

by Peter Libby MD PhD, Robert O. Bonow MD MS, Douglas L. Mann MD, Gordon F. Tomaselli MD, Deepak L. Bhatt MD MPH FACC FAHA FSCAI FESC, Scott D. Solomon MD, Eugene Braunwald MD MD(Hon) ScD(Hon) FRCP··You?

2021·2032 pages·Cardiology, Medicine, Heart Disease, Clinical Research, Cardiovascular Imaging

When Dr. Peter Libby, a seasoned cardiovascular medicine specialist, first encountered evolving cardiac research, he rethought the scope of cardiology education. This 12th edition textbook distills the latest advances—from artificial intelligence in cardiovascular medicine to precision therapies—offering you a detailed map of modern heart disease diagnosis and treatment. You’ll explore new chapters on topics like cardiac amyloidosis and the cardiovascular impacts of pandemics, all backed by updated AHA and ESC guidelines. If your focus is mastering clinical and translational cardiology with a balance of foundational knowledge and cutting-edge developments, this volume serves your needs, though it's best suited for those comfortable with dense, specialist material.

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Best for proactive heart risk reducers
Andy Beal is known as the Cardiac Prehab Personal Trainer™. In 2018, at the age of 44, Andy suffered a massive stroke and a minor heart attack. The stroke could have paralyzed his entire right side. Thankfully, Andy made a decision eight months earlier to improve his cardiovascular health. His commitment to optimize his heart health contributed to what doctors call a 'remarkable recovery' and his health transformation was featured by the American Heart Association, ABC11, and Men's Health. Andy now spends his spare time as an ambassador for the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, and is a certified personal trainer and weight management specialist focusing on stroke and heart attack prevention.
2020·155 pages·Health, Cardiology, Heart Disease, Healthy Living, Cardiovascular Risk

What if everything you knew about preventing heart attacks and strokes was incomplete? Andy Beal, known as the Cardiac Prehab Personal Trainer™, draws from his own near-fatal stroke and heart attack experience to offer straightforward guidance on cardiovascular health. You’ll learn how to identify risk factors, adopt sustainable nutrition and exercise habits, manage stress, and optimize sleep patterns to support your heart. The book breaks down complex cardiology concepts into manageable changes, like choosing heart-healthy foods and enjoyable physical activities, making it especially useful if you want to proactively reduce your risk before serious events occur. If you’re aiming for practical, informed steps rooted in lived experience and medical insight, this book fits that need.

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Conclusion

This collection reveals cardiology's multifaceted nature—from diet and pharmacology to surgery and psychosocial care. If managing heart disease through nutrition appeals to you, start with The End of Heart Disease and The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook for practical, research-backed guidance.

For clinicians or students eager to master the clinical and pharmacological aspects, Braunwald’s Heart Disease volumes and Opie's Cardiovascular Drugs offer authoritative depth. Meanwhile, endurance athletes and their coaches will find The Haywire Heart invaluable for balancing passion with safety.

Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Cardiology book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation, empowering you to take confident, informed steps toward heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with The End of Heart Disease for a comprehensive yet accessible approach that focuses on nutrition and prevention. It sets a strong foundation before diving into more specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Cardiology?

Not at all. Books like Optimize Your Heart and The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook are approachable for newcomers, while others like Braunwald’s Heart Disease suit more advanced readers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with nutrition and lifestyle-focused books, then explore clinical and surgical texts. This progression builds your understanding from prevention to complex treatment.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interests—nutrition, surgery, pharmacology, or psychosocial care. Each book offers valuable insights tailored to different cardiology aspects.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Cardiology changes?

The collection includes recent editions like the 12th edition of Braunwald’s Heart Disease, ensuring up-to-date information aligned with current guidelines and research.

Can personalized Cardiology books complement this expert list?

Yes! Personalized books tailor expert knowledge to your unique health background and goals, complementing these expert reads perfectly. Explore custom Cardiology books here.

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