Reading List

Heart Patient Stories

Heart 2 Heart: Stories from Patients with Left Ventricular Assist DevicesRuth Halben LMSW
This compilation shares narratives from patients who have received LVADs, detailing their challenges and triumphs.

The Grateful Heart: Diary of a Heart TransplantCandace C. Moose
Candace C. Moose, a heart transplant recipient, chronicles her personal journey, providing insights into the emotional and physical aspects of the transplant process.

Caring For Nigel: Diary of a Wife Coping With Her Husband’s DementiaEileen Murray

This true and touching account offers a unique insight into the day-to-day experience of caring for someone with dementia or a related illness.

Story of a Heart: Two Families, One Heart, and the Medical Miracle that Saved a Child’s LifeDr. Rachel Clark
Dr. Rachel Clarke narrates the poignant true story of a heart transplant between two children, exploring the emotional and ethical dimensions of organ donation.

Mirth Is The Best MedicineDavid Goodemote

David Goodemote’s journey with the humor and the LVAD.

I Once Was Dead: God’s Plan A Miracle LifeJohnnie Abreu

This book chronicles his experiences with open-heart surgery and the implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a device that has become a part of his daily life.
Through his narrative, Johnnie shares the emotional and physical challenges he faced and the unyielding hope and faith that guided him through his darkest hours.

SPIRIT – Dantrell Lvad Dad Brown

A Dream Transcends The Boundaries Of Reality As A Father Finds Himself Walking Through The Celestial Realm, Drawn Towards A Heavenly Glow.

Children’s Books

LVAD Man Tabitha Belhomme

LVAD Man is an illustrated book made for children ages 8 and up whose loved ones have or are in the process of getting an LVAD.

LVAD Life

POST-VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE (VAD) SURGERY NUTRITION GUIDE: Optimizing Recovery and Health Through Targeted Nutrition and Lifestyle ChoicesAlford Timothy

Unlock the essential roadmap to recovery with the Post-Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Surgery Nutrition Guide—a practical, supportive resource crafted for individuals and caregivers navigating the unique nutritional demands after VAD surgery. This comprehensive guide delves into specific dietary needs to aid healing, enhance energy, and support heart health during recovery.

Motivational

Man’s Search for Meaning” – Viktor E. Frankl

A profound exploration of finding purpose even in the most challenging circumstances, based on Frankl’s experiences in concentration camps.

Can’t Hurt Me” – David Goggins

A raw and motivational account of pushing beyond physical and mental limits to achieve greatness.

Siddhartha” – Hermann Hesse

A spiritual journey of self-discovery and the search for inner peace and meaning in life.

The Obstacle Is the Way” – Ryan Holiday

A modern take on Stoic philosophy, showing how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

The Alchemist” – Paulo Coelho

A magical tale about following one’s dreams and listening to the heart’s desires.

When Breath Becomes Air” – Paul Kalanithi

A memoir by a neurosurgeon facing a terminal diagnosis, reflecting on life, purpose, and mortality.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” – Angela Duckworth

A scientific and practical exploration of how grit and perseverance can lead to success in any area of life.

The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz

A guide to personal freedom through adopting four simple principles to live a fulfilling life.

Awaken the Giant Within” – Tony Robbins

A powerful book about taking control of your life, emotions, and destiny.

Option B” – Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

A heartfelt exploration of building resilience and finding joy after facing life-altering adversity.

Spiritual/Inspirational

The Power of Now” – Eckhart Tolle

A guide to living in the present moment and finding peace through mindfulness.

The Untethered Soul” – Michael A. Singer

Explores the concept of inner freedom and how to let go of limiting thoughts and emotions.

Daring Greatly” – Brené Brown

Encourages embracing vulnerability as a strength and key to living a wholehearted life.

You Are Here” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Offers mindfulness practices and insights for finding joy and healing in everyday moments.

The Seat of the Soul” – Gary Zukav

Discusses the connection between spirituality, emotions, and choices to create a meaningful life.

A Return to Love” – Marianne Williamson

Reflects on the principles of love and forgiveness as tools for personal and spiritual growth.

The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz

A practical guide to personal freedom through adopting four transformative principles.

The Art of Happiness” – Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler

Blends Tibetan Buddhist philosophy with Western psychology to explore the meaning of happiness.

Becoming Supernatural” – Dr. Joe Dispenza

Explains how to transcend limitations and unlock the body’s potential for healing and transformation.

Tuesdays with Morrie” – Mitch Albom

A heartfelt memoir about life lessons learned from a beloved mentor during his final days.

Podcasts

LVAD Talk featuring The LVAD Nation

  • Description: Interviews with LVAD patients including one patient who had his LVAD explanted.

Heart to Heart with Anna

  • Latest Episode: January 20, 2025
  • Description: A podcast dedicated to the congenital heart defect (CHD) community, featuring stories from patients, family members, and medical professionals. Episodes cover topics like heart transplants and living with mechanical circulatory support devices.

TransplantLyfe Podcast

  • Latest Episode: January 15, 2025
  • Description: Hosted by transplant recipients, this podcast shares personal experiences and insights related to organ transplantation, including heart transplants. It offers support and information for those navigating the transplant journey.

The Heart of a Heart Warrior Podcast

  • Latest Episode: January 10, 2025
  • Description: Focused on individuals with congenital heart defects, this podcast discusses various treatments and interventions, such as LVADs and heart transplants, providing valuable perspectives for patients and caregivers.

Heart Success: A Heart Failure Podcast

  • Latest Episode: January 5, 2025
  • Description: Produced by the Cleveland Clinic, this podcast explores topics related to heart failure management, including discussions on LVADs and heart transplantation, featuring expert interviews and patient stories.

Heart Matters

  • Latest Episode: December 30, 2024
  • Description: Presented by the British Heart Foundation, this podcast covers a wide range of heart-related topics, including patient experiences with heart transplants and LVADs, as well as discussions with healthcare professionals.

The Heart Failure Beat

  • Latest Episode: December 25, 2024
  • Description: Hosted by the Heart Failure Society of America, this podcast delves into the latest research, treatments, and patient stories related to heart failure, including episodes on advanced therapies like LVADs and transplants.

CardioCast

  • Latest Episode: December 20, 2024
  • Description: A podcast by Medscape Cardiology, providing updates on cardiovascular health, including episodes discussing advancements in heart transplant procedures and mechanical circulatory support devices.

Heart to Heart with Michael

  • Latest Episode: December 15, 2024
  • Description: A podcast focusing on the adult congenital heart defect community, sharing stories and information relevant to heart transplants and living with devices like LVADs.

The Heart Podcast

  • Latest Episode: December 10, 2024
  • Description: Produced by the BMJ, this podcast discusses various cardiovascular topics, including episodes on heart transplantation and mechanical support devices, featuring expert opinions and research findings.

Heart Failure Conversations

  • Latest Episode: December 5, 2024
  • Description: A podcast aimed at patients and caregivers, discussing living with heart failure, treatment options, and personal stories, including those involving LVADs and heart transplants.

Medical Texts and Reference

Mechanical Circulatory Support: Principles and Applications

  • Editors: David Joyce, Jeffrey A. Morgan, and Lyle D. Joyce
  • Description: This comprehensive text delves into the principles and clinical applications of mechanical circulatory support, including detailed discussions on LVAD technology, patient selection, and management strategies.

Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Guide to Pathophysiology and Clinical Care

  • Editors: Howard Eisen, Marc Semigran, and Eugene Braunwald
  • Description: This guide offers an in-depth exploration of heart failure, covering the latest advancements in treatment options such as LVADs, and providing insights into patient care and management.

Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease

  • Editors: James K. Kirklin and Joseph G. Rogers
  • Description: Part of the renowned Braunwald’s Heart Disease series, this book focuses on mechanical circulatory support devices, offering detailed information on the use of LVADs in treating advanced heart failure.

Cardiac Assist Devices

  • Editors: Steffen Rex, Christian Wittwer, and Ralf Sodian
  • Description: This text provides a thorough overview of various cardiac assist devices, including LVADs, discussing their design, function, and role in patient therapy.

Mechanical Circulatory and Respiratory Support

  • Editors: Shaun Gregory, John F. Fraser, and Michael Stevens
  • Description: This publication offers insights into both circulatory and respiratory support mechanisms, with significant coverage of LVADs, their technological aspects, and clinical applications.