urishment itneeds from this source. Rather, it must rely on its own miniature circulatorysystem, which branches off from the aorta or main channel. Here tiny butextremely important vessels called coronary arteries provide the means tofeed the heart. Like other arteries, they are also subject to blockage. Andherein lies a potential and fairly common tragedy, because when coronaryarteries cease to function as they should, the heart is deprived of the oxygenand nutrients it needs. Starved, it becomes damaged and, at worst, dies. There are several factors that contribute to circulatory problems, includinghigh blood pressure (hypertension), high levels of cholesterol in thebloodstream, smoking, obesity, heredity, lack of exercise and emotionalstress.Blood pressure refers to the force at which blood courses through arteries andveins as it 'journeys to the various parts of the body. It is determined by thetotal amount of blood in the body (which may vary from individual toindividual and even time to time), the intensity at which the heart has towork, and the resistance to flow offered by the artery walls. When bloodpressure is elevated above a safe level, it can speed up the process ofdamaging the blood vessels. It can also lead to personality changes and mayaffect the heart, brain and kidneys. Cholesterol Management Cholesterol is a type of animal fat that is either manufactured by the liver orabsorbed through the diet. Although most often it is described in villainousterms, it is actually necessary in some forms for good health. Cholesterolhelps the body metabolize carbohydrates and manufacture its own vitamin D.It also is a prime supplier of certain essential hormones. However, problemsoccur when cholesterol and other fats start lining the insides of arteries,narrowing them and making them susceptible to deposits of plaque. Thishampers the flow of blood, and consequently, the supply of life-givingnutrients and oxygen. Do you know what your ...
