The "Heart" - What do we know?

Okay . . . so since we were talking about "sodium" yesterday . . .

I thought today we'd explore the "heart".

So the question for today is this . . . how do we protect our "heart" from disease???

Well . . . the 5 harmful habits that make our "heart" weak are . . . smoking, being inactive, carrying too much weight, eating poorly and drinking alcohol.

And adding to that . . . if we're a chronic, non-sleepers . . . this too weakens the "heart".

Now . . . what are some other sign of a weakened "heart" muscle???

Well . . . that would be . . . shortness of breath (also known as dyspnea) especially when you lie down or exert yourself.

Chest pains, especially a heavy sensation in the chest indicative of heart failure caused by a heart attack

And swelling of the legs, ankles and feet (also known as edema)

So what actually causes a "heart attack"???

Well . . . as we know . . . high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking are key risk factors for "heart disease" . . . along with lifestyle choices

Now, science states that . . . a "heart attack" occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries becomes blocked. And over time, a buildup of fatty deposits, including cholesterol, form substances called plaques . . . which can narrow the arteries. And this condition is what primarily causes a "heart attack" or "stroke".