Struck Down By the Gods

Full Academic Colour Version: All 47 chapters, 14 appendices and full bibliography

The headings are more academic, but the text is the same as the abridged version

"Struck Down by the Gods" is the literal translation of the ancient word for stroke, apoplexy. This book describes the different types of strokes, their causes, and the medical conditions often mistaken for stroke. Although originally intended for the non-medical person who wants to know how to prevent stroke (and heart attacks), during my more than 12-year journey of discovery, I have learnt much that I believe would be of benefit to all healthcare professionals.

The book contains interesting historical facts on the evolution of knowledge from ancient times, explains the difference between absolute and relative risk and benefit, and identifies the real cause of atherosclerosis

A terrific book... Professor Steve Davis AO

Based on our own experience we unreservedly commend this highly informative book to diverse audiences. including the lay audience, well-established neurologists, students of medicine, other healthcare disciplines as well as early career trainees. Enjoyment is assured! ...Professors Steve Davis AO, Geoff Donnan AO and Richard Gerraty.

More about the Book

This book describes the different types of stroke, their causes, and the medical conditions often confused with stroke. The abridged version is primarily intended for non-medical readers who want to know how to prevent stroke (and heart attack). This academic version contains all the scientific evidence that should be of benefit to all healthcare professionals. Atherosclerosis, the cause of virtually all ischaemic heart disease and a major cause of stroke, is the progressive accumulation throughout life of cholesterol beneath the intima of arterial walls. Based on irrefutable autopsy evidence, the book challenges the long-held belief that smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure are the primary causes of atherosclerosis. Although once established, risk factors exacerbate atherosclerosis, they cannot be the cause, firstly because the disease atherosclerosis develops decades before these risk factors occur and decades before the onset of symptoms (in some cases, prior to birth), and secondly, it occurs in the absence of risk factors. Many other reasons for challenging these beliefs are revealed.

It discusses the risk factors that identify those who are at increased risk of developing symptoms of stroke and myocardial infarction related to the disease atherosclerosis, in particular, smoking and obesity.

It makes a plea to regulatory authorities to change how industry-funded research is conducted and published, to provide greater certainty. It recommends the appointment of independent data and safety monitoring committees and the prohibition of industry confidentiality claims over the study data. Finally, it makes a plea to publishers to include a clear statement on the front page stating whether the study is funded by industry or not. Ensure that all papers discuss both relative risk reduction (the benefit to society) and absolute risk reduction (the benefit to the individual), the numbers needed to treat, and an economic analysis of the cost-benefit.