Machines in Our Hearts

Discover the fascinating intersection of technology and medicine in Machines in Our Hearts by Kirk Jeffrey, published by Johns Hopkins University Press in 2001. This insightful book delves into the history and evolution of cardiac pacing technologies, including the pacemaker, first implanted in 1958, and the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), introduced in 1980. With 384 pages of compelling narrative, Jeffrey explores the paradox of high-tech healthcare: while these devices are both effective and reliable, they significantly contribute to rising medical costs due to the increasing number of patients relying on them to regulate their heartbeats. A must-read for anyone interested in cardiology, medical technology, and the history of medicine, Machines in Our Hearts offers a thought-provoking perspective on the impact of innovation in cardiovascular medicine.