Functioning of Heart

Author : Bhadresh Bundela

Why Does The Heart Stop?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by the year 2010, heart disease will be the leading cause of death in the world. In the United States, one person dies every 30 seconds from heart disease.

The heart is a complex, highly specialized, muscular organ that maintains the circulation of blood throughout the body. A Heart attack, or acute myocardial infarction, is the death of heart tissue caused by a complete blockage in one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. In most cases, blockage occurs as a result of plaques (deposits of cholesterol and fatty material) that build up in the arteries and partially or completely block blood flow.

When a person stops breathing and the heart stops beating, the condition is called cardiac arrest. Risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest include heart disease, severe physical stress (e.g., extreme blood loss, intense exercise), and genetic (inherited) heart conditions. In as many as 95% of cases, a person who experiences a cardiac arrest dies, usually within minutes. Your heart is designed to last a lifetime, but you have to do your bit to help ensure it stays in good working order. Physical activity can be a lifesaver – literally. Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease by increasing blood flow to your heart and strengthening your heart's contractions so that your heart pumps more blood with less effort. Physical activity also helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.

Smoking is the most powerful, preventable risk factor for heart disease. Tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack. The good news, though, is that when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year. And no matter how long or how much you smoked, you'll start reaping rewards as soon as you quit.

Consistently eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can reduce your risk of heart disease. Limiting your intake of certain fats also is important. Following a heart-healthy diet also means drinking alcohol only in moderation. At a moderate level, alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Above that, it becomes a health hazard. Try to cut down on the amount of salt that you add to your food .Choose healthy cooking methods (grill, bake, steam or microwave instead of frying), Most importantly, cut down on foods that contain saturated fat, such as pies, sausages and cream. Saturated fat raises the level of cholesterol in your blood.

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate. You can take steps to avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a healthy lifestyle today.

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