The Homocysteine Revolution (Paperback)

~ Kilmer McCully (Author) "In 1933, an eight-year-old boy was admitted to the Massachusetts General Hospital for the evaluation of four days of headache, drowsiness and vomiting..." (more)
Key Phrases: American Journal, American Medical Association, New England Journal (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

More than 30 years ago, a young Harvard pathologist offered the medical community a theory for the cause of one of today's biggest killers-- heart disease. It is called the Homocysteine Theory and is the medical breakthrough that inspired Andrew Weil to label Dr. McCully as "a visionary medical pioneer well ahead of his time". This discovery has the potential to save millions, yet ironically destroyed Dr. McCully's medical career. Homocysteine, a byproduct of metabolism, has been discovered to be a better risk indicator of heart disease than high cholesterol. A simple B6 vitamin and folic acid play a major role in controlling homocysteine levels. This proven theory will change the way the medical establishment views and treats heart disease. Today, the medical community is beginning to accept Dr. McCully's findings transforming his story from medical heresy to legitimate medicine. Updated and revised, complete with a new introduction by Walter Wilett, this eye opening book combines Dr. McCully's personal story and scientific philosophy with a fascinating exposition of his discovery and a special program to make use of this information to improve overall health.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2 edition (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879839759
• ISBN-13: 978-0879839758
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #401,033 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for those wishing to prevent heart disease, August 16, 2002

By	D. R. Schryer (Poquoson, VA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

One of the most tragic medical blunders of the past few decades is the incorrect dogma that coronary artery disease -- and resultant heart attacks -- are caused primarily by cholesterol and "artery clogging fat." Yes, arteries clogged with plaque (which contains cholesterol and fat) can result in heart attacks, but there is abundant evidence that the mere presence of cholesterol and fats in the body does not, by itself, cause arterial plaque to form. In fact, many slender people with "ideal" cholesterol levels have plaque-filled arteries which result in heart attacks. What medical dogma has overlooked until quite recently is that plaque builds up only in arteries that have been wounded in some fashion. Arterial plaque is, in essence a form of scab that forms on wounded arteries to protect us from internal hemorrhaging. What causes wounded arteries? One cause is free radicals, which can be combatted by antioxidants. But a second major cause of arterial wounding -- and arterial plaque -- was discovered by the author of this book, Dr. Kilmer McCully: elevated concentrations in the blood of a chemical called homocysteine. Homocysteine is a natural product of the metabolism af an amino acid called methionine and, therefore, our body's always contain some homocysteine. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid keep blood concentrations of homocysteine low enough to be safe. But deficiency of these vitamins can allow homocysteine to build up to concentrations that can wound our arteries and lead to the formation of arterial plaque -- which can eventually trigger a heart attack. Recent research has confirmed Dr. McCully's findings. If you want to understand the role of homocysteine in causing cardiovascular disease and resultant heart attacks -- and learn how to protect yourself from them -- I strongly suggest that you acquire and read this valuable book.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Logical information presented in understandable prose., July 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Homocysteine Revolution: Medicine for the New Millennium (Paperback)

Excellent information presented clearly. The diet suggestions offered in the book are logical and pleasant to follow. The difficulties the author faced in getting his ideas accepted offer a lesson in perserverance. I have given copies to several family members.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent book to read. I recommend it to everyone., May 1, 1999

By A Customer

For those interested in the politics of medicine, the latest research on heart disease, and the role that vitamins and nutrition affect your health this is a must read book. It was overall easy for a lay person to follow and explained alot of medical concepts clearly. I was impressed. Thank you Dr. Mcully for making this important contribution to health sciences.