|
The Circulatory System
|
|---|
The herb Foxglove was brewed by American Indians to treat dropsy (edema due to heart problems.)
Consider these important facts:The above facts are reported for the U.S., but Canada and other countries report statistics that are just as grim.
- Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. for both men and women.
- One of every four Americans suffers from some form of heart disease.
- Almost half of the 1.5 million heart attack victims in the U.S. each year are under age 65.
- The most common symptom of a heart attack is sudden death.
Like other vital parts of the human body, the circulatory system was designed to last over 100 years. Unfortunately, owner negligence usually contributes heavily to its early breakdown. Over the millennia humans have subsisted largely on a plant-based diet, to which our cells and organs are adapted. Today, many people in Western countries obtain up to half their calories from animal products. Add to this the fact that, due to modern conveniences, too many of us don't get enough of the right kinds of exercises, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Most circulatory problems are caused by a blockage in an artery caused by atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. When this happens the organs and tissues that are supplied by the artery are deprived of vital nourishment. When it happens to the coronary arteries—the arteries that feed the heart muscle—the heart becomes starved and damaged and may even die.
Although heredity has some influence over who will and who will not get heart disease, it is greatly outweighed by the factors that we have control over—our lifestyle choices.
True or False:
Since heart disease is mostly a result of heredity, there is little that we can do to prevent it.True
False(Select the best answer and click on the "Continue" button.)
 |
|---|