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= Lesson 74 - Diseases Relating To The Heart And Circulatory System =

= Lesson 74 - Diseases Relating To The Heart And Circulatory System =

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Heart disease is the end result of a lifetime of unhealthful living. It is not due to diet alone or lack of exercise alone but it is the cumulative effect of all our unhealthful habits. It will become clear, after completing this lesson, that the entire body is involved in the development of this condition. Systemic impairment begins long before the symptoms of heart disease become apparent.

Heart disease is the end result of a lifetime of unhealthful living. It is not due to diet alone or lack of exercise alone but it is the cumulative effect of all our unhealthful habits. It will become clear, after completing this lesson, that the entire body is involved in the development of this condition. Systemic impairment begins long before the symptoms of heart disease become apparent.

== General Physiology ==

== General Physiology ==

The circulatory system transports blood from the heart to the cells and back again to the heart in a never-ending stream. The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a complex protein arranged around iron. They have the important role of taking up large quantities of oxygen as it passes through the lungs and then passing this oxygen to the body cells. As the blood in the lungs picks up oxygen, the hemoglobin becomes bright red (arter- ial blood). When the hemoglobin reaches its destination, the individual cell, it releases oxygen and picks up carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism. The color of the blood carrying carbon dioxide to the lungs for elimination from the body is a bluish red (venous blood). Hemoglobin has another important function, that is, helping to maintain the acid balance of the blood. Each day the carbon dioxide resulting from cellular me- tabolism is equivalent to a little more than one-half gallon (2.6 liters) of concentrated hydrochloric acid. That high concentration of acid would injure the cells, so nature pro- vides a neutralizing base, half of which comes from the food consumed each day and the remainder from the body’s built-in buffering agents, one of which is hemoglobin.

The circulatory system transports blood from the heart to the cells and back again to the heart in a never-ending stream. The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a complex protein arranged around iron. They have the important role of taking up large quantities of oxygen as it passes through the lungs and then passing this oxygen to the body cells. As the blood in the lungs picks up oxygen, the hemoglobin becomes bright red (arter- ial blood). When the hemoglobin reaches its destination, the individual cell, it releases oxygen and picks up carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism. The color of the blood carrying carbon dioxide to the lungs for elimination from the body is a bluish red (venous blood). Hemoglobin has another important function, that is, helping to maintain the acid balance of the blood. Each day the carbon dioxide resulting from cellular me- tabolism is equivalent to a little more than one-half gallon (2.6 liters) of concentrated hydrochloric acid. That high concentration of acid would injure the cells, so nature pro- vides a neutralizing base, half of which comes from the food consumed each day and the remainder from the body’s built-in buffering agents, one of which is hemoglobin.

74.2.2 Structure of the Heart

=== Structure of the Heart ===

 

The heart is completely enclosed by a thin sac called the pericardium. This tough tissue protects the heart from rubbing against the lungs and the wall of the chest. The inside of the pericardium has a smooth lining that secretes a lubricating fluid. The heart beats smoothly and with little friction against the moistened lining of the pericardium.

The heart is completely enclosed by a thin sac called the pericardium. This tough tissue protects the heart from rubbing against the lungs and the wall of the chest. The inside of the pericardium has a smooth lining that secretes a lubricating fluid. The heart beats smoothly and with little friction against the moistened lining of the pericardium.

Because the cardiovascular system is the major environmental control center in the body, it utilizes a battery of sensors and monitoring devices to trigger corrective action or relay information to other body systems. Thus monitors within the cardiovascular sys- tem measure blood pressure and send this data to the brain, which then determines nec- essary adjustments.

Because the cardiovascular system is the major environmental control center in the body, it utilizes a battery of sensors and monitoring devices to trigger corrective action or relay information to other body systems. Thus monitors within the cardiovascular sys- tem measure blood pressure and send this data to the brain, which then determines nec- essary adjustments.

74.4.1 Nervous System

=== Nervous System ===

 

The primary regulator of blood pressure is the brain stem, where groups of special- ized nerve cells control the activity of the heart (cardiac-activating and cardiac-inhibito- ry centers) and another nerve-cell group regulates the diameter of blood vessels (vaso- motor center). Blood pressure is augmented when the sympathetic nervous system car- ries commands from the cardiac-activating center to increase the heart’s activity and from the vasomotor center to constrict arterioles and veins. Blood pressure is decreased when the vagus nerves convey commands from the cardiac-inhibitory center to the sinoatrial node, slowing heart activity.

The primary regulator of blood pressure is the brain stem, where groups of special- ized nerve cells control the activity of the heart (cardiac-activating and cardiac-inhibito- ry centers) and another nerve-cell group regulates the diameter of blood vessels (vaso- motor center). Blood pressure is augmented when the sympathetic nervous system car- ries commands from the cardiac-activating center to increase the heart’s activity and from the vasomotor center to constrict arterioles and veins. Blood pressure is decreased when the vagus nerves convey commands from the cardiac-inhibitory center to the sinoatrial node, slowing heart activity.

Sensors in the heart and lungs monitor the volume of blood in the vascular system. Messages sent by these receptors lead to adjustments in the circulatory system via sym- pathetic nerves. Other sensors monitor the oxygen content of blood and lead to changes in the respiratory system. These various monitoring cells supply the brain with the es- sential data for adjusting the circulation so that it can respond to any stress.

Sensors in the heart and lungs monitor the volume of blood in the vascular system. Messages sent by these receptors lead to adjustments in the circulatory system via sym- pathetic nerves. Other sensors monitor the oxygen content of blood and lead to changes in the respiratory system. These various monitoring cells supply the brain with the es- sential data for adjusting the circulation so that it can respond to any stress.

74.4.2 Hormonal Control

=== Hormonal Control ===

 

The action of the nervous system on the circulation is augmented when necessary by hormones secreted into the bloodstream from endocrine glands. Among the many hor- mones that can affect the function of the heart and blood vessels, the most important are adrenal catecholamines and angiotensin II.

The action of the nervous system on the circulation is augmented when necessary by hormones secreted into the bloodstream from endocrine glands. Among the many hor- mones that can affect the function of the heart and blood vessels, the most important are adrenal catecholamines and angiotensin II.

74.4.2.1 Adrenal Catecholamines

==== Adrenal Catecholamines ====

 

There is an adrenal gland located just above each kidney. These glands consist of a central group of cells, the medulla, surrounded by a layer of different cells, the cortex. The medulla produces two substances called catecholamines—norepinephrine and epi- nephrine. The norepinephrine secreted by the medulla increases the rate of the heartbeat and the strength of heart muscle contraction and at the same time causes constriction of the muscle cells in the blood vessel walls. The epinephrine causes relaxation of blood vessels in the skeletal muscles, which augments the blood flow to the muscles during exercise.

There is an adrenal gland located just above each kidney. These glands consist of a central group of cells, the medulla, surrounded by a layer of different cells, the cortex. The medulla produces two substances called catecholamines—norepinephrine and epi- nephrine. The norepinephrine secreted by the medulla increases the rate of the heartbeat and the strength of heart muscle contraction and at the same time causes constriction of the muscle cells in the blood vessel walls. The epinephrine causes relaxation of blood vessels in the skeletal muscles, which augments the blood flow to the muscles during exercise.

The cells of the adrenal medulla are controlled by the sympathetic nerves; each in- crease in the number of impulses from these nerves increases the secretion of the cate- cholamines.

The cells of the adrenal medulla are controlled by the sympathetic nerves; each in- crease in the number of impulses from these nerves increases the secretion of the cate- cholamines.

74.4.2.2 Angiotensin II

==== Angiotensin II ====

 

Cells located in the walls of kidney arterioles produce a chemical substance, renin, which is converted into angiotensin II. This very active product increases the formation of aldosterone (one of the hormones produced by the adrenal cortex), which in turn caus- es greater reabsorption of sodium and water from the kidneys and a subsequent increase in blood volume. Angiotensin II also acts more directly to cause muscle cells in the walls of the arterioles to contract; the result of all this activity is an increase in arteriolar resis- tance.

Cells located in the walls of kidney arterioles produce a chemical substance, renin, which is converted into angiotensin II. This very active product increases the formation of aldosterone (one of the hormones produced by the adrenal cortex), which in turn caus- es greater reabsorption of sodium and water from the kidneys and a subsequent increase in blood volume. Angiotensin II also acts more directly to cause muscle cells in the walls of the arterioles to contract; the result of all this activity is an increase in arteriolar resis- tance.

74.5.1 Cigarette Smoking

74.5.1 Cigarette Smoking

74.5.2 Diet 74.5.3 Exercise 74.5.4 Caffeine 74.5.5 Alcohol 74.5.6 Stress 74.5.7 Obesity

74.5.2 Diet  

 

74.5.3 Exercise  

 

74.5.4 Caffeine  

 

74.5.5 Alcohol  

 

74.5.6 Stress  

 

74.5.7 Obesity

Heart impairment results after many years of unhealthful living. It is the cumulative effect of improper diet, poison habits, sedentary lifestyle, overwork, etc. All of this leads to enervation, impaired elimination and toxicosis. Major factors resulting in this toxi- cosis include cigarette smoking, improper diet, lack of exercise, alcohol, coffee, stress, obesity and drugs. The combination of these factors eventually leads to impairment of one or several of the mechanisms described in the physiology of the heart. When any of these mechanisms are impaired, the heart is directly affected.

Heart impairment results after many years of unhealthful living. It is the cumulative effect of improper diet, poison habits, sedentary lifestyle, overwork, etc. All of this leads to enervation, impaired elimination and toxicosis. Major factors resulting in this toxi- cosis include cigarette smoking, improper diet, lack of exercise, alcohol, coffee, stress, obesity and drugs. The combination of these factors eventually leads to impairment of one or several of the mechanisms described in the physiology of the heart. When any of these mechanisms are impaired, the heart is directly affected.

74.5.1 Cigarette Smoking

=== Cigarette Smoking ===

 

The single most important effect on health due to cigarette smoking is the develop- ment of heart impairment. In 1975, approximately 25% of the 650,000 deaths from coro- nary heart disease were attributed to cigarette smoking. The 1979 Report of the Surgeon General On Smoking and Health identifies smoking as related to coronary heart disease

The single most important effect on health due to cigarette smoking is the develop- ment of heart impairment. In 1975, approximately 25% of the 650,000 deaths from coro- nary heart disease were attributed to cigarette smoking. The 1979 Report of the Surgeon General On Smoking and Health identifies smoking as related to coronary heart disease

You must realize that cigarette smoking is one of a series of factors that lead to heart impairment. Other factors are important also and together create the conditions (a state of toxicosis) that results in this degenerative disease.

You must realize that cigarette smoking is one of a series of factors that lead to heart impairment. Other factors are important also and together create the conditions (a state of toxicosis) that results in this degenerative disease.

74.5.2 Diet

=== Diet ===

 

Habitual excesses in eating (especially in concentrated fats, protein and sugars); eat- ing the wrong kinds of foods; eating improperly-combined foods; result in toxicosis and enervation of all bodily organs including the, heart.

Habitual excesses in eating (especially in concentrated fats, protein and sugars); eat- ing the wrong kinds of foods; eating improperly-combined foods; result in toxicosis and enervation of all bodily organs including the, heart.

74.5.2.1 Fats

==== Fats ====

 

In 1961, the American Heart Association began providing information to the public on the link between high levels of cholesterol in the blood and the development of ath- erosclerosis, the disease where fatty deposits or plaques accumulate in the walls of the arteries. Simultaneously there was encouragement of the public to decrease its intake of fat and cholesterol. Such advice has its origin in the research around 1913 by a Russian scientist, Nikolai Avitschev, showing a connection between a high-cholesterol diet and fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) of rabbits. This discovery has led to ex- tensive medical research on how blood fats and cholesterol contribute to disease of the human circulatory system.

In 1961, the American Heart Association began providing information to the public on the link between high levels of cholesterol in the blood and the development of ath- erosclerosis, the disease where fatty deposits or plaques accumulate in the walls of the arteries. Simultaneously there was encouragement of the public to decrease its intake of fat and cholesterol. Such advice has its origin in the research around 1913 by a Russian scientist, Nikolai Avitschev, showing a connection between a high-cholesterol diet and fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) of rabbits. This discovery has led to ex- tensive medical research on how blood fats and cholesterol contribute to disease of the human circulatory system.

Dietary changes in Europe after World War II, and increased consumption of fats and sugar among immigrants to Israel and the United States, coincided with an increase in blood cholesterol levels and a rapidly increasing frequency of heart attacks.

Dietary changes in Europe after World War II, and increased consumption of fats and sugar among immigrants to Israel and the United States, coincided with an increase in blood cholesterol levels and a rapidly increasing frequency of heart attacks.

Dietary Sources

===== Dietary Sources =====

 

Many people use margarine because they are told that the unsaturated fat in mar- garine is much more desirable than the saturated fats found in butter. But margarine is an artificial product full of additives, emulsifiers and chemicals that aren’t meant for human consumption. Flavor enhancers in the form of diacetyl and isopropyl and steryl citrates are added to margarine. Sodium benzoate, benzoic acid or citric acid are added as preser- vatives. (The benzoates are poisonous and have actually resulted in death.) Emulisifiers are also added, such as diglycerides, monoglycerides, etc. and these do not have to ap- pear on the label.

Many people use margarine because they are told that the unsaturated fat in mar- garine is much more desirable than the saturated fats found in butter. But margarine is an artificial product full of additives, emulsifiers and chemicals that aren’t meant for human consumption. Flavor enhancers in the form of diacetyl and isopropyl and steryl citrates are added to margarine. Sodium benzoate, benzoic acid or citric acid are added as preser- vatives. (The benzoates are poisonous and have actually resulted in death.) Emulisifiers are also added, such as diglycerides, monoglycerides, etc. and these do not have to ap- pear on the label.

Where are we to obtain our dietary fats if not from margarine, butter or free oils? The best source is found in our natural foods—fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. We are not only receiving all the fats that we require from these foods but we are acquiring them in the correct proportions with the vitamins and minerals and other food constituents. The body makes use of this form of EFA easily and perfectly.

Where are we to obtain our dietary fats if not from margarine, butter or free oils? The best source is found in our natural foods—fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. We are not only receiving all the fats that we require from these foods but we are acquiring them in the correct proportions with the vitamins and minerals and other food constituents. The body makes use of this form of EFA easily and perfectly.

Research Studies

===== Research Studies =====

 

In a study comparing the effects of substituting plant for animal fat in the diet, six subjects showed significant reductions in serum concentrations of free and esterfied cho- lesterol and of phospholipids when plant fats were substituted for animal fats during a four-month period. The approximate change was a 20% decrease even though body weights and caloric intakes were kept constant during the experiment.

In a study comparing the effects of substituting plant for animal fat in the diet, six subjects showed significant reductions in serum concentrations of free and esterfied cho- lesterol and of phospholipids when plant fats were substituted for animal fats during a four-month period. The approximate change was a 20% decrease even though body weights and caloric intakes were kept constant during the experiment.

In another study, 58 vegetarians who eat no animal products and live on a farm com- mune were examined. The average lipoprotein-cholesterol level of this group were 60% of age-and-sex-specific normal levels compared to a control group. The conclusion of the study placed the vegetarians in a lower-risk category for the development of clinical- ly manifest atheroclerosis.

In another study, 58 vegetarians who eat no animal products and live on a farm com- mune were examined. The average lipoprotein-cholesterol level of this group were 60% of age-and-sex-specific normal levels compared to a control group. The conclusion of the study placed the vegetarians in a lower-risk category for the development of clinical- ly manifest atheroclerosis.

74.5.2.2 Carbohydrates

==== Carbohydrates ====

 

Consumption of refined carbohydrates results in enervation and impairment of all bodily cells, tissues, glands, organs and systems. This unhealthful habit often results in diabetes and/or arteriosclerosis. Overconsumption of refined sugar stresses the pancreas until it becomes so enervated that it ceases to function. The body then begins to break down stored glucose in the fat cells into triglycerides. This increases the fat in the blood to above normal levels and some of this fat remains in the arteries of the heart and else- where.

Consumption of refined carbohydrates results in enervation and impairment of all bodily cells, tissues, glands, organs and systems. This unhealthful habit often results in diabetes and/or arteriosclerosis. Overconsumption of refined sugar stresses the pancreas until it becomes so enervated that it ceases to function. The body then begins to break down stored glucose in the fat cells into triglycerides. This increases the fat in the blood to above normal levels and some of this fat remains in the arteries of the heart and else- where.

The results of incorrect diet are systemic and do not involve just one organ or gland. It takes many years of this unnecessary abuse to damage the heart so severely that it is incapable of performing.

The results of incorrect diet are systemic and do not involve just one organ or gland. It takes many years of this unnecessary abuse to damage the heart so severely that it is incapable of performing.

As in all bodily organs, the heart is intimately involved with, and dependent upon, all other bodily systems. Any slight impairment in any of the ystems—nervous, endocrine, digestive, etc.—will affect the heart.

As in all bodily organs, the heart is intimately involved with, and dependent upon, all other bodily systems. Any slight impairment in any of the systems—nervous, endocrine, digestive, etc.—will affect the heart.

Overconsumption of carbohydrates results in a toxicosis that ultimately affects total health.

Overconsumption of carbohydrates results in a toxicosis that ultimately affects total health.

74.5.2.3 Proteins

=== Proteins ===

 

The quantity and quality of the proteins are essential for optimum health. Many peo- ple overeat on protein foods. This results in enervation, since much more energy is need- ed for digestion and metabolism of protein. The body must either eliminate excess pro- tein or store it for future use. This situation is enervating and, if continued, will result in impaired elimination with the increase of endogenous and exogenous poisons. The end result is degenerative disease. Dr. Robert Gross states, “The end products of protein di- gestion are acidic—urea, uric acids, adenine, etc. which, beyond a certain normal range, will cause degeneration of body tissue, producing gout, liver malfunctions, kidney disor- ders, digestive disturbances, arthritis and even hallucinations.” Dr. D. J. Scott says: “Too much protein solidifies (like coffee) and has the same stimulating effect, and a high-pro- tein diet will eventually destroy the glandular system, and damage the liver, adrenals and kidneys.” When any of these organs are affected, the heart is also.

The quantity and quality of the proteins are essential for optimum health. Many peo- ple overeat on protein foods. This results in enervation, since much more energy is need- ed for digestion and metabolism of protein. The body must either eliminate excess pro- tein or store it for future use. This situation is enervating and, if continued, will result in impaired elimination with the increase of endogenous and exogenous poisons. The end result is degenerative disease. Dr. Robert Gross states, “The end products of protein di- gestion are acidic—urea, uric acids, adenine, etc. which, beyond a certain normal range, will cause degeneration of body tissue, producing gout, liver malfunctions, kidney disor- ders, digestive disturbances, arthritis and even hallucinations.” Dr. D. J. Scott says: “Too much protein solidifies (like coffee) and has the same stimulating effect, and a high-pro- tein diet will eventually destroy the glandular system, and damage the liver, adrenals and kidneys.” When any of these organs are affected, the heart is also.

When proteins have been cooked or preserved, enzymes are coagulated, cleavage is inhibited and the amino acids may not be liberated for body use. Instead they become soil for bacteria and poisonous decomposition byproducts. Man cannot digest flesh pro- tein properly and putrefaction invariably results. This adds poisons to the body in addi- tion to the poisons that are already in the meat. All of this contributes to the development of disease.

When proteins have been cooked or preserved, enzymes are coagulated, cleavage is inhibited and the amino acids may not be liberated for body use. Instead they become soil for bacteria and poisonous decomposition byproducts. Man cannot digest flesh pro- tein properly and putrefaction invariably results. This adds poisons to the body in addi- tion to the poisons that are already in the meat. All of this contributes to the development of disease.

74.5.3 Exercise

=== Exercise ===

 

Dr. Shelton says, “The heart is a muscular organ—it is almost all muscle—and like all other muscles of the body, is strengthened by use. A heart that is never called upon to do vigorous work does not grow vigorous and strong. If it always does light work it tends to become soft and flabby. It needs periods of vigorous work to build up and main- tain its maximum strength and ability.”

Dr. Shelton says, “The heart is a muscular organ—it is almost all muscle—and like all other muscles of the body, is strengthened by use. A heart that is never called upon to do vigorous work does not grow vigorous and strong. If it always does light work it tends to become soft and flabby. It needs periods of vigorous work to build up and main- tain its maximum strength and ability.”

Dr. Stutman also points out that moderate exercise results in lowered circulating blood fats to the same extent as the more strenuous forms of exercise. We do not have to be marathon runners for optimum health but a moderate exercise program is recom- mended. Exercise results in the altering of the distribution of different forms of lipopro- teins in the blood.

Dr. Stutman also points out that moderate exercise results in lowered circulating blood fats to the same extent as the more strenuous forms of exercise. We do not have to be marathon runners for optimum health but a moderate exercise program is recom- mended. Exercise results in the altering of the distribution of different forms of lipopro- teins in the blood.

74.5.4 Caffeine

=== Caffeine ===

 

Caffeine results in stimulation of the heart and rapid heart beat and arrhythmias are typical symptoms of this stimulation.

Caffeine results in stimulation of the heart and rapid heart beat and arrhythmias are typical symptoms of this stimulation.

Even in small doses, caffeine is a powerful poison that results in impairment of all parts of the body. These systemic effects often result in heart impairment as enervation of this organ becomes greater.

Even in small doses, caffeine is a powerful poison that results in impairment of all parts of the body. These systemic effects often result in heart impairment as enervation of this organ becomes greater.

74.5.5 Alcohol

=== Alcohol ===

 

Evidence linking alcohol consumption and heart disease includes the following:

Evidence linking alcohol consumption and heart disease includes the following:

Alcohol is a poison and its ingestion results in enervation of all bodily organs in- cluding the heart. The heart is at first stimulated while it attempts to rid the body of this poison but alter a time becomes enervated and its function becomes impaired. Accumu- lation of the very toxic products of alcohol burden the liver and all other parts of the body including the nervous system and glands that directly affect the heart performance.

Alcohol is a poison and its ingestion results in enervation of all bodily organs in- cluding the heart. The heart is at first stimulated while it attempts to rid the body of this poison but alter a time becomes enervated and its function becomes impaired. Accumu- lation of the very toxic products of alcohol burden the liver and all other parts of the body including the nervous system and glands that directly affect the heart performance.

74.5.6 Stress

=== Stress ===

 

Various studies have shown coronary heart disease to be associated with such psy- chological tendencies as anxiety, neuroticism, depression, aggression, hostility, sense of time urgency and with such social factors as mobility, status, life events and dissatisfac- tions.

Various studies have shown coronary heart disease to be associated with such psy- chological tendencies as anxiety, neuroticism, depression, aggression, hostility, sense of time urgency and with such social factors as mobility, status, life events and dissatisfac- tions.

Under stressful conditions, adrenal glands will secrete certain hormones that have a direct influence on the heart. Repeated stress will eventually result in enervation of the heart and the rest of the organs responding to that stress. This is just another factor in the total health package that should not be ignored.

Under stressful conditions, adrenal glands will secrete certain hormones that have a direct influence on the heart. Repeated stress will eventually result in enervation of the heart and the rest of the organs responding to that stress. This is just another factor in the total health package that should not be ignored.

74.5.7 Obesity

=== Obesity ===

 

Evidence linking obesity and overweight to cardiovascular risk includes the follow- ing:

Evidence linking obesity and overweight to cardiovascular risk includes the follow- ing: