Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and the presence of a thrombus, or clot, in a blood vessel are the most frequent causes of obstruction. Arteriosclerosis is the major cause of deaths from heart attacks. Spasms of the coronary arteries may also result in a heart attack. A heart attack may feel as if somebody is applying strong pressure to the chest. This pain can last for several minutes, often extending to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw. Other signs of heart attack include sweating, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, feelings of anxiety, difficulty swallowing, sudden ringing in the ears, and loss of speech. The amount and type of chest pain vary from one person to another. Some people have very intense pain, while others feel only mild discomfort. Many mistake the signs of a heart attack for indigestion. Some people have no symptoms at all, a problem known as a "silent" heart attack. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure is often a precursor to heart problems. Hypertension is a very common form of cardiovascular disease. It usually results from a decrease in the elasticity or a reduction in the interior diameter of the arteries, which may be caused by arteriosclerosis, defects in sodium metabolism, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and enzyme imbalances. Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands, and the use of oral contraceptives can also lead to hypertension, and heredity genetics may be a factor. Because it is essentially painless, especially in the early stages, many people don't even know they have it hence the term "silent killer." By the time hypertension causes complications that result in symptoms including:  rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and sweating, the disorder is more difficult to treat. Untreated hypertension is the leading cause of stroke, and also greatly increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and kidney failure. Other types of cardiovascular disease include heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disease. 

While a heart attack occurs because of an interruption in blood flow to the heart, heart failure is characterized by inadequate blood flow from the heart-the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Symptoms include fatigue, poor color, shortness of breath, and edema (swelling due to the accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues), especially around the ankles. Arrhythmias are disturbances in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. There are different kinds of arrhythmias. Some are quite dangerous even immediately life threatening while others may be merely annoying (or scarcely noticeable ), and pose no particular danger. Valvular disease is a term for disorders that impair the functioning of one or more of the heart's valves. It may be caused by congenital defect, or it may be the consequence of illness such as rheumatic fever or endocarditis or infection of the heart muscle. 

Unfortunately, despite new technology for both diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, the first sign of cardiovascular disease may already be a life threatening event. Problems of the cardiovascular system are often very far advanced before they become symptomatic and it can be too late so prevention is the best idea. An estimated 25% of people who have heart attacks have no previous symptoms of heart trouble. Each minute, a person in the USA dies of a heart attack. Cardiovascular disease is not the normal result of aging. Many preventive measures can be taken to avoid heart disease. Controllable factors that can contribute to heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, elevated serum cholesterol, a type-A personality, stress, obesity , a sedentary lifestyle "couch potato", and diabetes. You can alter your lifestyle, diet, and nutritional supplementation to keep your heart happy, healthy and alive.

GOOD SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM TO TRY

• Cardio Essentials - complete heart and cardio system formula, known as the "heart vitamin"
  

• Protection 4 Life with Genesis has 4 products in it which all will benefit people with cardiovascular disease, heart problems, and related health problems This kit includes:

1. Advanced Omega
2. Mega Juice
3. NutraPack
4. Genesis

•  BotanaCleanse Plus - use if you have not done a colon/intestinal cleansing in the last year.

OTHER CHANGES TO MAKE

- drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled water a day
- eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables (including garlic and onions)
- juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)
- do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
- do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
- use stress relief like going for walks in the park
- brown rice and millet are good to eat
- avoid red meat and animal fats
- reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
- fast a few days a month
- get sleep 
- exercise light to moderate amounts
- avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
- do not smoke
- keep your weight down 
- avoid MSG, baking soda, diet soft drinks, softened water
- PRAY ... it does help with all aspects of life and healing

HEART FUNCTION SELF- TEST 

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. A simple pulse test can help you determine how well your heart is functioning. The best time to check your pulse is first thing in the morning. If your pulse is under 60, your heart is functioning at a good pace. If your pulse is above 80, you may need to change your diet and lifestyle. if your pulse remains rapid, consult your health care provider to rule out problems. A chronically high pulse rate is often a precursor of hypertension. Taken daily, this pulse test can forewarn you of oncoming illness.