10 Heart Disease Books That Experts Rely On

Discover top Heart Disease Books recommended by Dennis Yu, Ben Greenfield, and Joel Kahn for proven strategies and fresh insights

Dennis Yu
Ben Greenfield
Jack Murphy
Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if everything you thought about heart disease was missing key pieces? Despite decades of research, heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet the full picture of how it develops and how to prevent it is far more complex than the standard advice suggests. This puzzle has drawn the attention of experts across medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle science, each uncovering layers that reshape how we understand cardiovascular health.

Influential voices like Dennis Yu, a digital marketing expert who highlights the metabolic roots of heart disease, and Ben Greenfield, a health and longevity authority, have championed books that challenge conventional wisdom. Joel Kahn, a cardiologist deeply versed in plant-based nutrition, points to dietary strategies that empower patients beyond medication. These experts bring a blend of personal experience and professional rigor that helps you navigate the sea of conflicting information.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific metabolic health, genetic background, or lifestyle factors might consider creating a personalized Heart Disease book that builds on these insights. Personalized approaches bridge general knowledge with your unique heart health journey, accelerating understanding and action.

Best for challenging cholesterol misconceptions
Jimmy Moore, a ketogenic health podcaster and bestselling author, credits this book for dispelling long-standing cholesterol myths that have misled many about heart disease. After years of exploring health information, he found the extensive scientific evidence in this book so convincing that he warns against blindly following common statin prescriptions or low-fat diets. "Thanks to the extensive scientific evidence provided by Bowden and Sinatra, the truth about cholesterol will hopefully end the utter madness that has plagued our society for far too long," he writes. His perspective underscores why you should approach heart health with a broader understanding than traditional cholesterol metrics alone. Following close behind, Gary Fettke, an orthopedic surgeon and real-food advocate, praises the book as an essential educational tool for both patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of questioning established knowledge to truly improve health outcomes.

Recommended by Jimmy Moore

Ketogenic health podcaster & bestselling author

Thanks to the extensive scientific evidence provided by Bowden and Sinatra, the truth about cholesterol will hopefully end the utter madness that has plagued our society for far too long. Don’t even think about taking another statin drug, cutting your fat and cholesterol intake, or other ‘heart-healthy’ measures until you read The Great Cholesterol Myth. (from Amazon)

2020·240 pages·Heart Disease, Nutrition, Dietary Fat, Cholesterol, Inflammation

Jonny Bowden's decades of nutritional expertise combined with Dr. Stephen Sinatra's cardiology background led to this revised edition that challenges long-held beliefs about cholesterol and heart disease. You learn how cholesterol is just one piece of a much larger puzzle involving inflammation, triglycerides, and lifestyle factors. The authors dissect common myths, such as the dangers of saturated fat and the effectiveness of statins, while providing a four-part plan emphasizing diet, exercise, supplements, and stress management. If you're looking to understand the true drivers of heart health beyond cholesterol numbers, this book offers concrete insights and critiques mainstream protocols.

National Bestseller
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Best for metabolic health insights
Dennis Yu, a digital marketing expert with extensive entrepreneurial experience, highlights the urgency of metabolic health in today's world. He stresses, "@ifixhearts This book is a MUST if you care about your health. You have a 88% chance of failing the metabolic health," reflecting how critical Dr. Ovadia's insights are for those looking to avoid heart disease. This warning underscores why you should consider this book seriously—it’s not just theory but a call to action. Additionally, Jack Murphy, known for his cultural and political commentary, recommends this as a gift for loved ones, emphasizing its broad relevance and heartfelt value.
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Recommended by Dennis Yu

Digital marketing expert, entrepreneur

@ifixhearts This book is a MUST if you care about your health. You have a 88% chance of failing the metabolic health. (from X)

2021·174 pages·Heart Disease, Weight Loss, Health, Metabolic Health, Nutrition

What if everything you knew about diet and heart health was wrong? Philip Ovadia, a heart surgeon who overcame morbid obesity himself, argues that metabolic health—not short-term dieting—is the key to preventing heart disease and maintaining well-being. You’ll learn why conventional diet plans fail, how pharmaceutical and food industries obscure vital nutritional truths, and a sustainable approach to long-term metabolic balance. The book dives into real-life examples from Ovadia’s surgical practice and personal transformation, making it clear this is for anyone serious about lasting health improvements rather than quick fixes. If you want to avoid becoming a patient and understand the root causes of heart disease, this book offers a grounded, experience-backed perspective.

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Best for personal heart health plans
This personalized AI book about heart health is created based on your background, current knowledge, and specific goals for preventing or managing heart disease. By focusing on the areas you care about most, it bridges expert research with your unique circumstances. This approach makes understanding complex cardiovascular topics more accessible and directly applicable to your life.
2025·50-300 pages·Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Risk, Cholesterol Management, Inflammation Control, Metabolic Health

This tailored book explores the complex landscape of heart disease prevention and management by focusing directly on your unique health profile and goals. It covers essential concepts such as cardiovascular risk factors, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions, while examining emerging insights into metabolic and genetic influences. The personalized approach ensures the content matches your background and interests, guiding you through relevant scientific knowledge with clarity and focus. By synthesizing current research with your specific needs, this book reveals pathways to lasting heart health. It encourages active learning about managing inflammation, understanding cholesterol nuances, and adopting behaviors that support cardiovascular resilience, making your journey both relevant and empowering.

Tailored Guide
Cardiovascular Risk Profiling
Chosen by 1,000+ Readers
Best for alternative heart function views
Ben Greenfield, a health and longevity expert and CEO of Kion, discovered this book during his extensive research into cardiovascular health. Facing the reality of heart disease as a leading killer, he found Dr. Hussey's insights "the most mind-blowing information on heart disease" and ranks it among his top reads on the subject. This book reshaped his understanding of the heart's function and health strategies, making it a compelling read for those who want to rethink cardiovascular health. Alongside him, Stephanie Seneff, author of Toxic Legacy, praises the book's approachable style and its challenge to conventional heart disease myths, highlighting its fresh biological insights.
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Recommended by Ben Greenfield

Health and longevity expert, CEO of Kion

The most mind-blowing information on heart disease. . . . I consider this to be one of the best books I’ve ever read on cardiovascular health. (from Amazon)

2022·336 pages·Heart Disease, Health, Cardiology, Functional Medicine, Evolutionary Biology

Unlike most heart disease books that fixate on traditional views of cardiac function, Dr. Stephen Hussey draws from his personal battle with a life-threatening heart attack to challenge established norms. You learn how the heart's role in blood circulation may be vastly different from what mainstream medicine suggests, exploring concepts like the heart as a vortex and the influence of electromagnetic forces on blood flow. Chapters delve into evolutionary biology, the nervous system's impact, and debunk common misconceptions about fats and cholesterol. This book suits anyone intrigued by alternative perspectives on cardiovascular health and those seeking a fresh framework beyond typical medical advice.

2022 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist for Health
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Best for nutrition-based prevention
Joel Kahn, author of The Plant-Based Solution and a cardiologist with extensive experience in plant-based nutrition, discovered this book during his work treating heart disease patients. 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." His endorsement reflects the book’s practical impact on patient care and heart disease prevention. Alongside him, Neal Barnard, adjunct professor and president of a major physicians committee, praises the book for its empowering plan that strengthens heart health and transforms overall well-being. Their combined expertise makes this book a trusted guide for anyone serious about managing heart disease through diet.

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. (from Amazon)

2016·448 pages·Heart Disease, Health, Healthy Living, Cardiology, Nutrition

Joel Fuhrman M.D. challenges the common belief that heart disease is an unavoidable fate by presenting a nutrition-based plan grounded in 25 years of clinical experience and recent scientific studies. You learn how to lower cholesterol and blood pressure naturally, heal coronary artery disease, and avoid invasive procedures through detailed dietary strategies and practical meal plans. The book includes recipes and doctor-patient communication guidance, making it suitable for anyone seeking to take control of their heart health without relying solely on medication. If you're committed to understanding how food directly impacts cardiovascular wellness, this book offers a clear path forward.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for holistic cardiovascular perspectives
Ben Greenfield, a health and longevity expert and CEO of Kion, discovered this book during his deep dive into holistic wellness. He shares, "This book blew my mind. I will admit . . . I thought I was simply going to be reading an interesting memoir of a good physician. Instead, I discovered the most groundbreaking, unorthodox, outside-the-box treatise on the heart I have ever stumbled upon. If you have a heart and you want to live a long time, you must, must read this book." His endorsement reflects how Dr. Thomas Cowan’s unconventional views challenged prevailing cardiology norms and inspired new thinking about heart health. Alongside Joseph Mercola, who calls it a life-saving addition to any library, this book invites you to rethink what you know about cardiovascular disease and care.
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Recommended by Ben Greenfield

Health and longevity expert, CEO of Kion

This book blew my mind. I will admit . . . I thought I was simply going to be reading an interesting memoir of a good physician. Instead, I discovered the most groundbreaking, unorthodox, outside-the-box treatise on the heart I have ever stumbled upon. If you have a heart and you want to live a long time, you must, must read this book. (from Amazon)

2016·176 pages·Heart Disease, Medicine, Health, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Anthroposophical Medicine

Unlike most heart disease books that focus on anatomy and conventional treatments, Dr. Thomas Cowan challenges fundamental assumptions about the heart’s role in the body. Drawing on his medical training and decades-long interest in anthroposophical medicine, he argues that the heart is not a pump but a receiver of the blood’s movement, reshaping how you understand cardiovascular health. You’ll encounter a blend of medical theory, personal narrative, and critiques of standard care, including detailed discussions on Rudolf Steiner’s and Weston A. Price’s perspectives. This book suits those willing to question mainstream cardiology and explore alternative frameworks for heart disease prevention and treatment.

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Best for rapid heart renewal
This AI-created book on heart renewal is designed around your unique cardiovascular health background and goals. By sharing what matters most to you—whether it's diet, exercise, or medical concerns—you receive a custom book that covers exactly the areas you want to improve. Personalization matters here because heart health isn’t one-size-fits-all; your lifestyle, habits, and risks shape the best path forward. This tailored guide focuses on what will help you renew your heart health quickly and effectively based on your specific needs.
2025·50-300 pages·Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Health, Heart Disease Risk, Lifestyle Changes, Nutrition Plans

This tailored book explores rapid transformation strategies for reducing heart disease risk by focusing on personalized approaches that match your unique background and specific goals. It covers essential aspects of cardiovascular health including lifestyle modifications, diet, stress management, and exercise, offering a custom pathway through complex expert knowledge. The content is designed to engage you deeply with current heart health research and practical applications, all synthesized to fit your individual needs. By concentrating on your interests and challenges, this personalized guide reveals how to accelerate heart renewal effectively and sustainably, empowering you to take confident steps toward improved cardiovascular wellness.

Tailored Guide
Cardiovascular Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for thrombogenesis exploration
Zoe Harcombe, a respected health and diet authority, discovered this book through her deep engagement with nutritional science and cardiovascular health. She mentioned "Chatting with @malcolmken about his brilliant (and as funny as ever) new book," highlighting the engaging, humorous tone Malcolm Kendrick employs even while tackling complex medical controversies. Her endorsement reflects how the book reshaped her understanding of heart disease beyond cholesterol dogma. Similarly, P. D. Mangan, a microbiologist focused on longevity and strength, calls it a "Fantastic book," signaling its appeal to those keen on evidence-based health breakthroughs.
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Recommended by Zoe Harcombe

Health and diet expert, author

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

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

What started as a challenge to entrenched cholesterol theories became Dr. Malcolm Kendrick's exploration into the real drivers behind heart disease. With a background as a practicing physician and a penchant for questioning medical orthodoxy, Kendrick traces the 150-year journey of heart disease research, exposing selective data and overlooked evidence. You’ll gain insight into thrombogenesis as a central culprit, alongside detailed discussions on how conditions like diabetes and stress interplay with cardiovascular risk. This book suits you if you want a fresh perspective grounded in medical experience rather than standard narratives.

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Best for plant-based heart recipes
Colin Campbell, co-author of The China Study and Cornell professor emeritus, regards this cookbook as a remarkable companion to Dr. Esselstyn’s groundbreaking heart disease research. He encourages trying these recipes to genuinely hear your heart's needs, emphasizing the credible health benefits backed by the Esselstyns' expertise. This endorsement reflects Campbell's extensive experience in nutrition science, making his recommendation particularly meaningful for those seeking dietary approaches to heart health. Alongside him, Samuel Jackson shares a personal journey of transformation, highlighting how adopting these plant-based, oil-free recipes led to substantial weight loss and improved well-being, inviting you to explore these flavors yourself.

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. (from Amazon)

Unlike most heart disease books that focus narrowly on medical interventions, Ann Crile Esselstyn and Jane Esselstyn bring decades of culinary expertise to the table with a compelling plant-based cookbook designed to complement Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr.'s nutritional research. You explore over 125 recipes that emphasize whole foods, free of oil, aimed at nourishing your heart and overall well-being. Recipes like the Fast Pasta and Greens and the indulgent Kale Cake demonstrate how heart-healthy eating can be both satisfying and accessible. This book is well-suited for anyone motivated to improve cardiovascular health through diet rather than medication alone.

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Best for congenital heart disease coping
Stephen Porges, a distinguished university scientist at Indiana University, emphasizes the unique value of this book for those affected by congenital heart disease. His detailed review reveals how Livecchi and Morton’s personal experiences illuminate the emotional and psychological dimensions often overshadowed by medical treatment alone. "Tracy Livecchi and Liza Morton share a story of courage and hope for those who are living with a congenital heart condition," he notes, highlighting how their journey provides a roadmap for thriving despite lifelong challenges. This perspective underscores why the book is essential for anyone navigating the complex reality of CHD beyond surgery and survival.

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. (from Amazon)

2023·304 pages·Heart Disease, Cardiology, Mental Health, Chronic Illness, Coping Strategies

After analyzing decades of medical advances and personal stories, Tracy Livecchi and Liza Morton confront an often overlooked aspect of congenital heart disease: the psychosocial challenges that persist beyond survival. Drawing from their combined expertise as mental health professionals living with CHD, they provide practical coping strategies that address anxiety, depression, and social isolation faced by adults managing this chronic condition. You’ll gain insight into managing emotional scars alongside physical ones, including techniques to navigate hospital visits, self-acceptance of bodily changes, and building supportive communities. This book is suited for adults with CHD seeking mental health resources, as well as caregivers and clinicians aiming to understand the full impact of this lifelong diagnosis.

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Best for practical heart health tips
Andy Beal is known as the Cardiac Prehab Personal Trainer™. After suffering a massive stroke and minor heart attack at 44, his remarkable recovery was partly due to heart health changes he made months earlier. Featured by the American Heart Association and Men's Health, Beal now dedicates his expertise to stroke and heart attack prevention, offering you a guide grounded in both personal experience and certified training.
2020·155 pages·Health, Heart Disease, Healthy Living, Cardiology, Nutrition

Andy Beal’s firsthand experience with a massive stroke and heart attack at 44 lends this guide a grounded urgency and clarity. You’ll encounter straightforward strategies to identify your cardiovascular risk factors, adopt sustainable exercise routines, and improve nutrition tailored specifically for heart health. The book breaks down complex medical concepts into manageable habits, such as improving sleep and stress management, that you can realistically integrate into daily life. If you’re seeking practical steps to prevent heart disease before it strikes, this book offers clear guidance without unnecessary medical jargon or overwhelm.

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Best for clinical cardiology reference
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 clinical and research expertise to this leading textbook. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications and multiple prestigious awards, Dr. Libby and his co-authors provide an authoritative resource that addresses both classic concepts and cutting-edge developments in cardiovascular medicine. This work reflects decades of cumulative knowledge, making it invaluable for practitioners and trainees seeking a comprehensive understanding of heart disease.
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, Cardiovascular Medicine, Clinical Research, Medical Imaging

The depth and authority behind Braunwald’s Heart Disease come from its editors and authors, led by Dr. Peter Libby, whose extensive research and clinical experience at Harvard Medical School shape this definitive guide. This two-volume set dives into the evolving science of cardiovascular medicine, offering insights into new therapies, advanced imaging, and emerging areas like AI in cardiology and cardio-oncology. You’ll find detailed chapters on recent guidelines, environmental impacts, and novel diagnostic tools, making it essential for anyone needing a thorough yet accessible resource. While dense, the book benefits clinicians and trainees aiming to grasp both foundational concepts and the latest breakthroughs in heart disease management.

Selected for Doody’s Core Titles® 2024
Published by Elsevier
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Conclusion

The 10 books featured here weave together several clear themes: the importance of questioning cholesterol-centric views, the critical role of metabolic health, the value of nutritional and lifestyle interventions, and the benefit of exploring both conventional and alternative perspectives on cardiovascular function. Whether you’re grappling with congenital heart challenges or aiming to optimize your risk factors, these works offer a wealth of knowledge.

If you’re facing metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, starting with "Stay off My Operating Table" and "The Great Cholesterol Myth" could provide foundational insights. For those eager to implement practical changes quickly, "Optimize Your Heart" combined with "The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook" delivers actionable steps. Clinicians and serious students of cardiology will find "Braunwald’s Heart Disease" an unparalleled resource.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Heart Disease book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and sharpen your heart health strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "The Great Cholesterol Myth" for a fresh look at cholesterol's role, or "Stay off My Operating Table" for metabolic health insights. Both offer clear, foundational knowledge and are highly recommended by experts like Jimmy Moore and Dennis Yu.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Heart Disease?

Not at all. Several books like "Optimize Your Heart" provide practical, accessible advice, while others offer deeper dives for those ready to explore more complex topics. There's something here for every level.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Balance is key. Newer books like "Understanding the Heart" bring fresh perspectives, while classics like "Braunwald’s Heart Disease" remain vital for comprehensive clinical understanding. Choose based on your focus.

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

You can pick based on your interests—nutrition, metabolic health, clinical science, or psychosocial aspects. Each book addresses different facets, so selecting a few targeted titles is often more effective than reading all.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"The Clot Thickens" and "Human Heart, Cosmic Heart" lean toward theory and alternative views, while "The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook" and "Optimize Your Heart" emphasize actionable strategies and lifestyle changes.

How can a personalized Heart Disease book complement these expert recommendations?

Personalized books build on expert knowledge by tailoring insights to your unique health profile and goals. They bridge broad concepts with your real-life situation for focused, effective learning. Explore personalization here.

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