An epidemic of heart disease (also known as myocardial infarction) is sweeping the world today. In many countries it is killing more people than any other single disease. This epidemic is related to habits of living or life style rather than due to bacteria or a virus.A heart attack occurs when tiny blood vessels or arteries which feed the heart muscle itself become so narrowed that there is an inadequate supply of oxygen, fuel and energy to the heart muscle. When one of these small arteries becomes completely blocked off, that portion of the heart muscle dies. This is a heart attack. If this same process takes place in the brain and a small portion of the brain is deprived of its oxygen, the person suffers a "stroke", and usually paralysis of one side of the body.
A heart attack may result in immediate death, but most persons with a heart attack have a second chance. With proper care they may lead quite normal lives.
The narrowing of the arteries and loss of elasticity or flexibility of the arterial wall is caused by the process known as atherosclerosis. This is produced by the deposition of an excessive amount of a waxy substance, and cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. The process of atherosclerosis often begins in young people in their late teens and early twenties. Therefore heart attacks are becoming common among younger adults.
What factors or conditions increase heart attack? The three major factors are;
1. High blood cholesterol,
2. High blood pressure, and
3. Cigarette-smoking.
Other controllable factors causing heart attack are excessive emotional stress and strain, overweight, and inactivity or lacking in exercise. As you can see, most of these factors can be controlled or prevented by maintaining good health habits and avoiding harmful habits.
The Voice of Prophecy
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