When we think of love, we naturally think of the heart, a miraculous organ that will, on average, beat 2.5 billion times throughout our life. Naturally, the physical and emotional heart need to be cared for on a daily basis, but sometimes that can be a real challenge if you’re not set up for success. Part of laying a foundation for successful self-care is being clear on what makes this part of the body so amazing, what sabotages heart health, and what truly supports it.
To help motivate you in caring for your heart and cardiovascular system here’s some key information…
THE ANATOMY OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM INCLUDES THE:
- Heart – including the atria, ventricles, septum, and valves (mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary)
- Blood – including plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells (eosinophil, neutrophil, basophil, macrophage, lymphocyte)
- Blood vessels – including arteries (like the aorta) veins, and capillaries
Fascinating Facts About the Heart & Cardiovascular System
On average, the adult heart beats 72 times a minute, 100,000 times a day, and 35 million times a year.[1]
The heart pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood each day.
Arteries branch out into smaller arterioles the farther they are from the heart and lead to capillaries.
Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to cells through capillaries. Carbon dioxide and other waste are also removed through them.[2]
People who are clinically depressed have a higher risk of heart disease and heart attack.[3]
The heart’s electrical field is approximately 60 times greater in amplitude than the electrical activity generated by the brain.[4]
Potential Symptoms of Compromised Cardiovascular Health
- Breathing problems while sleeping
- Constriction or aching in the chest and/or shoulders
- Dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath that often happens with physical exertion
- Erectile dysfunction
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High or low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
- Persistent neck pain that feels like it’s radiating out in a line and isn’t alleviated with ice, heat, or massage
- Puffy or swollen legs and/or feet
- Related cancers, diseases, and disorders
- Repeated episodes of indigestion, nausea, or heartburn, particularly for women leading up to a heart attack
- Sore, swollen, or bleeding gums
Stress Factors for Cardiovascular Health
- Acute emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Excessive sodium in the diet
- Excessive sugar and refined carbs in the diet
- Depression
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Inadequate nutrients and poor diet
- Inadequate sleep
- Not enough exercise, especially cardio
- Overeating
- Poor dental care and plaque buildup
- Excessive, saturated fats from meat and dairy
- Smoking or living with someone who does
- Stress
- Trans fats
By choosing a healthy diet and a holistic lifestyle that reflects self-respect and love, you can deepen the quality of each day and potentially add years to your life. Find out which foods, herbs, and healthy habits are best for the heart, the cardiovascular system, and overall mind-body health in my Radiant Health program.
My mission: As a Holistic Health Coach & Eco Expert, I’m dedicated to leading you straight to the core of what it takes to enjoy a new level of vitality, desired weight loss, sustainability, and detoxification. Enjoy my transformative programs and experience true health with true purpose!
[1] PublicBroadcastingSystem.org. PBS.org. “Amazing Heart Facts Nova Online: Cut to the Heart.” Accessed September 8th, 2015. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/heart/heartfacts.html
[2] KidsHealth.org. “Heart and the Circulatory System.” Accessed September 8th, 2015. http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/heart.html
[3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. NHLBI.gov. “Who Is at Risk for Heart Disease?” Accessed September 8th, 2015. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hdw/atrisk
[4] HeartMath.org. “The Energetic Heart is Unfolding.” Accessed September 8th, 2015. https://www.heartmath.org/articles-of-the-heart/science-of-the-heart/the-energetic-heart-is-unfolding/
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