Heart Watch: Risks and Prevention
The Physical Heart: Strength and Vulnerability
The heart continuously pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells, where the mitochondria converts them into the energy necessary to sustain the body’s basic functions. Simultaneously, the blood collects waste and carbon dioxide from the cell and transport it the the organs of elimination: the kidneys, lungs, and skin
The blood, produced in the bone marrow circulates in blood vessels to the lungs where it picks up precious oxygen from the alveoli and to the small intestine where it picks up nutrients to all the cells in the body. The lining of the blood vessels are continuously exposed to the content of the blood and The quality of the food, air, and water we consume determines the overall health of our cardiovascular system.
The Blood Vessels and Atherosclerosis: A Major Risk Factor for Heart Attacks
The heart is a muscle stimulated by an electrical system that ensures blood is pumped to all parts of the body through the vascular circulatory system, which comprises arteries, capillaries, and veins. The elasticity and integrity of the arteries are essential for the heart’s efficiency. The walls of the arteries can be physically injured by high blood pressure or chemically injured by toxic substances, such as those absorbed through the lungs from smoking and processed sugars absorbed by the digestive system. These injuries incite the body to repair itself through a build-up of cholesterol and fibrin, forming plaque—an unstable material that can block arteries or detach, obstructing blood flow to the heart and potentially causing a heart attack, which is the number one killer worldwide.
The Spiritual Heart: The Center of Love and Its Impact on Overall Health
The heart represents more than its physical function; it serves as the center of our being. Through the heart, we assess situations as safe or dangerous, connect with our identity, and engage with our soul. The heart feels, intuits, and evaluates, while the brain formulates strategies for navigating life. Our language reflects the heart’s central role in our lives and its impact on health: we speak of a “broken heart,””heart-to-heart” conversations, and express deep emotions such as,”I love you from the bottom of my heart” or “I take something to heart.” It is essential for the brain to serve the heart, as both organs must harmonize for optimal mental and physical wellness.
A healthy, sentient heart flourishes with love but can languish under the weight of negative emotions and feelings. Stress, fear, anger, grief, and hopelessness can weaken the heart, slowing blood circulation throughout the body. An extreme stress response, known as broken heart syndrome, can lead to heart failure, where the heart becomes too weak to pump blood adequately to the organs and tissues, jeopardizing life.
Lessons to Learn:
Measures to Strengthen Your Heart and Prevent Atherosclerosis and Heart Attacks
- Love Yourself: Self-love is a fundamental prerequisite for implementing lifestyle changes that promote a healthy heart.
- Breathe Fresh Air: Quit smoking tobacco, marijuana, or other substances. Consider using an air purifier in your bedroom if you live in an urban area.
- Drink Pure Water: Install a high-quality filter in your home to eliminate chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and trace pharmaceuticals found in tap water.
- Eliminate Processed Foods: Processed foods contain added salt and sugar, contributing to high blood pressure, vessel damage, and atherosclerosis. Opt for a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding gut-damaging wheat and dairy products.
- Cut Processed Sugar: As a leading cause of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, processed sugar contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. Substitute refined sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey, fruits, or dates.
- Incorporate Exercise: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, improves mood, and lowers blood pressure.
- Live with Purpose: Fostering a sense of purpose nourishes both the spiritual and physical heart.