Sign-In
Cart
The Last Beat: How the Heart Fades at the End of Life
Paperback
Health GeneralHeart Conditions
Currently unavailable to order
Please enter your email and a message will be sent to you when this product becomes available on our website.
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 208
Weight: 0.57
Height: 0.52 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
The lines are getting bigger. Is her heart getting stronger?
It is one of the most common questions a family asks at a bedside, and the answer is the opposite of what it looks like.
In The Last Beat, board-certified cardiologist Bishnu Subedi, MD, FACC explains what actually happens to the heart in the final hours of life - in the same plain language he uses with families in the room. The book is built around the two things families are actually looking at: the shapes on the monitor, and the sounds in the air.
Because the hardest part of a final vigil is often not the loss itself. It is spending the last night of someone's life staring at a screen you cannot read, translating every change on it into a fear that they are in pain - when they are not, and when the only thing standing between you and a peaceful last night together was a two-minute explanation nobody thought to give.
This book is that explanation.
Inside:
- Why a slowing, widening rhythm is the wiring shutting down - not a heart fighting back
- What the death rattle really is, why it is not drowning, and why more IV fluid usually makes it worse
- Terminal lucidity: the sudden final rally, what we know and honestly don't, and how to use the window
- Why turning off an implanted defibrillator is not ending a life - and why that conversation must happen early
- The many roads to a stopped heart: inherited electrical faults, cardiomyopathies, electrolyte catastrophes, and the deaths that stay unexplained
- Cardiac arrest versus heart attack - two words used interchangeably for entirely different emergencies
- How death is actually determined, by the heart and by the brain, and how organ donation really works
- What acute grief does to the heart of the person left behind
Fourteen chapters, eleven appendices, and twenty-six diagrams, anatomical illustrations, and ECG tracings prepared for this book. Plus one-page quick-reference cards designed to be photocopied and kept at a bedside, a 112-question FAQ, a glossary, a symptom log, a fully referenced source list, and a page of questions worth asking your care team.
Written for anyone who wants to understand what happens to the heart in the last minutes - for patients and families at a bedside tonight, and for the nurses, chaplains, hospice aides, and physicians standing beside them.
Note: This book is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice from your own clinicians. All patients described are composites; no individual can be identified.
Also from
Subedi Facc, Bishnu
I Had Myocarditis: What Do I Do Now? A Cardiologist Answers Your Questions
Subedi Facc, Bishnu
Paperback
Also in
Heart Conditions
Quick and Easy Low Cholesterol Cookbook: Flavorful Heart-Healthy Dishes Your Whole Family Will Love
Logue, Dick
Paperback
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy, Happy Heart: Simple Steps to Achieving Long-Term Cardiovascular Health
Lara-Breitinger, Kyla M.
Lopez-Jimenez, Francisco
Lerman, Amir
Hardcover
Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure
Esselstyn, Caldwell B.
Paperback
Simple Meal Solutions for High Blood Pressure: 75 Recipes to Lower Blood Pressure and Support a Healthy Heart
Routhenstein, Michelle
Paperback
The Complete Dash Diet for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Lose Weight and Live Healthy
Koslo, Jennifer, Rnd
Paperback
Cholesterol Down, Revised Edition: Ten Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in Four Weeks--Without Prescription Drugs
Bond Brill Phd Rdn Fand, Janet
Paperback
The New 8-Week Cholesterol Cure: The Ultimate Program for Preventing Heart Disease
Kowalski, Robert E.
Paperback
The Afib Cure, Updated Edition: Get Off Your Medications, Take Control of Your Health, and Add Years to Your Life
Day, John D., MD
Brunch, T. Jared, MD
Paperback
The Truly Easy Heart-Healthy Cookbook: Fuss-Free, Flavorful, Low-Sodium Meals
Routhenstein, Michelle, MS Rd Cde Cdn
Paperback
Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol: 75 Recipes to Lower Cholesterol and Support a Healthy Heart
Reaver, Ashley
Paperback
Human Heart, Cosmic Heart: A Doctor's Quest to Understand, Treat, and Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Cowan, Thomas
Hardcover
The Easy Anti Inflammatory Diet: Fast and Simple Recipes for the 15 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Frazier, Karen
Paperback
30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for Easy, Low-Sodium Meals
Strachan, Cheryl, Rd
Paperback
Sugar Beat: How Sugar - NOT CHOLESTEROL - Destroys Your Arteries and the New Science of REVERSING PLAQUE
Jay, Anthony
Paperback
Corazón Sano. Hábitos, Alimentación Y Descanso Para Una Vida Larga Y Saludable / A Healthy Heart
Perelló, Magdalena
Paperback
The Great Cholesterol Myth, Revised and Expanded: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease--And the Statin-Free Plan That Will - Nati
Sinatra, Stephen T.
Bowden, Jonny
Paperback
Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure: Your Personal Guide to Managing Hypertension
Schwartz, Gary L.
Paperback
The Great Cholesterol Con: The Truth about What Really Causes Heart Disease and How to Avoid It
Kendrick, Malcolm
Paperback
The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook: Over 125 Delicious, Life-Changing, Plant-Based Recipes
Esselstyn, Ann Crile
Esselstyn, Jane
Paperback
The Low-Cholesterol Cookbook for Two: 100 Perfectly Portioned Recipes for Better Heart Health
Anderson, Michelle
de Santis, Andy, Rd MPH
Paperback
Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases
Ornish, Dean
Ornish, Anne
Paperback
The Truth about Statins: Risks and Alternatives to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Roberts, Barbara H.
Paperback
The Dash Diet Action Plan: Proven to Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Without Medication
Heller, Marla
Paperback
Cardiovascular Disease: Fight it with the Blood Type Diet: The Individualized Plan for Treating Heart Conditions, High Blood Pressure, HighCholesterol
D'Adamo, Peter J.
Whitney, Catherine
Paperback
Heart Solution for Women: A Proven Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
Menolascino, Mark
Paperback
The Insulin Resistance Diet for Pcos: A 4-Week Meal Plan and Cookbook to Lose Weight, Boost Fertility, and Fight Inflammation
Koslo, Jennifer, Rnd
Spencer, Tara
Paperback
The Heart Revolution: The Extraordinary Discovery That Finally Laid the Cholesterol Myth to Rest
McCully, Kilmer
McCully, Martha
Paperback
Peripheral Neuropathy: Natural guide and Everyday Habits to Soothe Pain, Strengthen Nerves, and Restore Balance
Pascal, Legacy
Paperback
A World Without Heart Attacks: How We Can Beat Heart Disease - And What Comes Next
Boone, Jeffrey
Hardcover
The Anti Inflammatory Diet Cookbook: No Hassle 30-Minute Recipes to Reduce Inflammation
Given, Madeline
Paperback
The Easy Heart Healthy Cookbook for Slow Cookers: 130 Prep-And-Go Low-Sodium Recipes
Morrissey, Nicole R., MS Rd Cde
Paperback
Cardiac Diet: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide to a Heart-Healthy Life with Recipes and a Meal Plan
Gilta, Brandon
Paperback
ECG & EKG Interpretation: How to interpret ECG & EKG, including rhythms, arrhythmias, and more!
Pine, Jeremy
Paperback
Put Your Heart in Your Mouth: Natural Treatment for Atherosclerosis, Angina, Heart Attack, High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Arrhythmia, Peripheral Vascula
Campbell-McBride, Natasha
Paperback
Understanding the Heart: Surprising Insights Into the Evolutionary Origins of Heart Diseaseand Why It Matters
Hussey, Stephen
Paperback
The Simple Heart Cure: The 90-Day Program to Stop and Reverse Heart Disease Revised & Updated 2nd Edition
Crandall, Chauncey
Paperback
Cardiac Failure Explained: Understanding the Symptoms, Signs, Medical Tests, and Management of a Failing Heart
Bishop, Warrick
Paperback
El Engaño del Colesterol: La Verdadera Historia de Un Enemigo Inventado / The Cholesterol Deception
Bola, Juan
Paperback
Centered Heart: Evidence-Based, Mind-Body Practices to Stress Less and Improve Cardiac Health
Amendola, Susi
Hardcover
Reducing High Blood Pressure for Beginners: A Cookbook for Eating and Living Well
Larson, Kim, Rdn Nbc-Hwc
Paperback
30-Minute Dash Diet Cookbook: Fast and Easy Recipes to Lose Weight and Reverse High Blood Pressure
de Santis, Andy, Rd MPH
Gonzalez, Luis, MS Rd
Paperback
The Complete High Blood Pressure Diet Cookbook: Dash Diet Recipes to Lower Blood Pressure and Improve Health
Foote, Amanda, Rd
Paperback
The Simple Heart Cure Diet and Meal Plan: 28 Days of Healthy Meals and Over 100 Delicious and Easy Recipes
Crandall, Chauncey
Hardcover
Atrial Fibrillation Explained: Understanding The Next Cardiac Epidemic
Edman, Penelope
Bishop, Warrick
Paperback
The Dash Diet Meal Prep Cookbook for Seniors: Easy to make recipes to balance blood level and boost vitality
Marguire, Jordan
Paperback
The Centered Heart: Evidence-Based, Mind-Body Practices to Stress Less and Improve Cardiac Health
Amendola, Susi
Paperback
Atrial Fibrillation Diet: A Beginner's 2-Week Guide on Managing AFib, With Curated Recipes and a Sample Meal Plan
Winzant, Jeffrey
Paperback
Your Complete Guide To AFib: The Essential Manual For Every Patient With Atrial Fibrillation
Morales, Percy
Paperback
Cardiac Diet for Picky Eaters: 35+ Tasty Heart-Healthy and Low Sodium Recipes
Gilta, Brandon
Paperback
Heart Smarter for Women: Six Weeks to a Healthier Heart
Russo, Lori M.
Mieres, Jennifer H.
Rosen, Stacey E.
Paperback
Reclaiming Our Hearts: Lessons For South Asians At Risk For Diabetes And Heart Disease
Kandasamy, Sujane
Anand, Sonia Savitri
Paperback
Beat the Heart Attack Gene: The Revolutionary Plan to Prevent Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes
Bale, Bradley
Doneen, Amy
Paperback
The Insulin Resistance Solution: Reverse Pre-Diabetes, Repair Your Metabolism, Shed Belly Fat, and Prevent Diabetes - With More Than 75 Recipes by Dan
Thompson, Rob
Carpender, Dana
Paperback
Portfolio Diet: A Science-Backed Guide to Lowering Cholesterol and Supporting Heart Health with Plant-Based Foods
Wells, Sophia
Paperback
State of the Heart: Exploring the History, Science, and Future of Cardiac Disease
Warraich, Haider
Paperback
The Heartmath Solution: The Institute of Heartmath's Revolutionary Program for Engaging the Power of the Heart's Intelligence
Martin, Howard
Childre, Doc
Paperback
Atrial Fibrillation Diet: A Beginner's 2-Week Guide on Managing AFib, With Curated Recipes and a Sample Meal Plan
Winzant, Jeffrey
Paperback
No More Heart Disease: How Nitric Oxide Can Prevent--Even Reverse--Heart Disease and Strokes
Ignarro, Louis
Paperback
The Ultimate Congestive Heart Failure Cookbook: 150 Easy Recipes for Wellness & Longevity. 7-Day Meal Plan.
Currey, Sienna
Paperback
Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure: Written in everyday language for patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Ryan, Patti J.
Ryan Phd, Steve S.
Paperback
Lower Your Blood Pressure: A 21-Day Dash Diet Meal Plan to Decrease Blood Pressure Naturally
Koslo, Jennifer, Rnd
Paperback
Goodbye High Triglycerides: Natural Methods to Lower High Triglycerides and Have a Healthy Heart
Pereyra, Losvania
Paperback
Low Salt Diet for Seniors: Comprehensive Guide to Reducing Sodium in Your Diet for Healthy Kidney and Heart Health.
Pretzel, Anita
Paperback
Portfolio Diet: The Complete Guide to Lowering Cholesterol Naturally with Proven Plant-Powered Foods
Hawthorne, Mila
Paperback
Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain: The Personalized Path to Protect Your Memory, Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes, and Avoid Chronic Illness
Doneen, Amy
Bale, Bradley
Hardcover
Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stop Deadly Cardiovascular Plaque Before It's Too Late
Sinatra, Stephen T.
Roberts, James C.
Paperback
Exposing the Spiritual Roots of High Blood Pressure: Powerful Answers for Healing and Disease Prevention
Wright, Henry W.
Paperback
Kidneys on the Edge: A Simple Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Living Beyond Kidney Disease
Spirit, Med
Paperback
Strong Heart, Sharp Mind: The 6-Step Brain-Body Balance Program That Reverses Heart Disease and Helps Prevent Alzheimer's with a Foreword by Dr. Micha
Piscatella, Joseph C.
Sabbagh, Marwan Noel
Hardcover
Diet for a Strong Heart: Michio Kushi's Macrobiotic Dietary Guidlines for the Prevension of High Blood Pressure, Heart Attack and Stroke
Kushi, Michio
Jack, Alex
Paperback
EKG and ECG Interpretation: Learn EKG Interpretation, Rhythms, and Arrhythmia Fast!
Stone, Alyssa
Paperback
The Ultimate Dash Diet Cookbook for Seniors: Anti Inflammatory recipe guide for Hypertension free lifestyle
Thomas, Dr Catherine
Paperback
One Root, Many Risks: Your Roadmap to Outsmarting Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease & Memory Loss
Gavrilescu, Gabriel
Paperback
Food or Fiction?: The Truth about the Ultraprocessed Foods Making America Sick
Kessler, David A.
Paperback
The Heart Manual: My Scientific Advice for Eating Better, Feeling Better, and Living a Stress-Free Life Now
Fuster, Valentin
Paperback
The Gift of Again: A Survivor and Caregiver's Guide to Stroke Recovery and Prevention
Stinson, Yvonne
Stinson, Taura L.
Paperback
The 4-Week Fast Metabolism Diet Plan: 100 Recipes to Reset Your Metabolism and Lose Weight
Farina, Leila
Paperback
The Dash Diet for Hypertension: Lower Your Blood Pressure in 14 Days - Without Drugs
Moore, Thomas J.
Jenkins, Mark
Paperback
Prevent, Halt & Reverse Heart Disease: 109 Things You Can Do
Piscatella, Joseph C.
Franklin, Barry, PH. D.
Paperback
Healing Hearts and Minds: A Holistic Approach to Coping Well with Congenital Heart Disease
Livecchi, Tracy
Morton, Liza
Paperback
The Heart Protection Kitchen: Easy and Healthy Recipes for a Happy Heart
Severson, Tracy
Fazio, Sergio
Paperback
Heart Book: How to Take Control of Your Heart Health and Prevent Coronary Artery Disease
Dach, Jeffrey
Paperback
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol
Junge, Christine E.
Freeman, Mason W.
Paperback
The Vitamin Cure for Heart Disease: How to Prevent and Treat Heart Disease Using Nutrition and Vitamin Supplementation
Hickey, Steve
Roberts, Hilary
Paperback
Cardiac Diet Food List: The Complete Guide to Low Sodium, Low Cholesterol and Low Fat Recipes to Improve your Heart Health
Quinn, Lysandra
Paperback
AFib Diet for Women: A Hormone-Smart 4-Week Plan to Support Heart Rhythm and Lower Stress-Related Triggers
Golanna, Mary
Paperback
Fix Your High Blood Pressure in 90 Days or Less: Scientific Methods to Break Free from Life Long Prescription Meds
Amagada, Joseph
Paperback
Atrial Fibrillation: Unveiling the Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options
Bestman, Givens
Paperback
The Heart and Its Healing Plants: Traditional Herbal Remedies and Modern Heart Conditions
Storl, Wolf-Dieter
Paperback
High Blood Pressure Cookbook: 30 Healthy Recipes To Lower High Blood Pressure And Prevent Heart Disease
Moore, Maureen
Paperback
The Pots Survival Guide: A Practical Roadmap to Managing Symptoms, Reducing Flares, and Transforming Your Life
Bronson, Edith
Paperback
Vegetarian DASH diet cookbook: Explore Low Sodium and Low Fat Recipes for Lower Blood Pressure, Reduced Heart Disease, and Lasting Health Benefits.
Carrington, Elizabeth V.
Paperback
Cardiac Rehabilitation Explained: An in-Depth Guide to Understanding and Navigating Life after Heart Attack, Stenting, or Surgery
Bishop, Warrick
Begg, Alistair
Paperback
The Haywire Heart: How Too Much Exercise Can Kill You, and What You Can Do to Protect Your Heart
Case, Chris
Mandrola, John
Zinn, Lennard
Paperback
Cholesterol Down: Ten Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in Four Weeks--Without Prescription Drugs
Brill, Janet Bond
Paperback
Actual Longevity: Science Based Strategies To Improve Lifespan And Healthspan
Alo, Mohammed
Paperback
Complete Easy Acid Reflux Diet plan: Escape Plan And Healthy Heartburn-friendly Recipes To Heal Your GERD & LPR
Michael, Olivier
Paperback
Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum's Heart Book: Every Woman's Guide to a Heart-Healthy Life
Steinbaum, Suzanne
Paperback
Heart-Healthy Diabetic Cookbook: Savor Wholesome Goodness - 100+ recipes for Health and Wellness, Pictures Included
Sullivan, Patrick
Paperback
Healthy Habits for Your Heart: 100 Simple, Effective Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure and Maintain Your Heart's Health
Tello, Monique
Paperback
Cardiac Diet Cookbook: 100+ Nutrient-Packed Recipes for Cardiovascular Wellness, Pictures Included
Anderson, Mia
Paperback
Your Body Knows How to Heal: A Woman's Guide to Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease
Samartano, Melissa
Paperback
The High Blood Pressure Solution: A Scientifically Proven Program for Preventing Strokes and Heart Disease
Moore, Richard D.
Paperback
The complete Afib companion: Managing atrial fibrillation through evidence-based medical care
Heacock, Nancy
Paperback
A World Without Heart Attacks: How We Can Beat Heart Disease - And What Comes Next
Boone, Jeffrey
Paperback
The Complete Dash Diet Cookbook for Beginners: 2000 Days Quick & Easy Nutrient-Rich Recipes to Manage Blood Pressure Naturally
Randell, Eric A.
Paperback