affects a number of other factors thatrelate to circulatory problems. Overweight individuals tend to exercise lessthan those who aren't overweight, and exercise is important for circulatoryhealth. They also tend to consume more fats, which increase the levels of fatsin the bloodstream, and sugars, which encourage glucose intolerance andeven diabetes. One of the many complications of diabetes is damage to bloodvessels, and damaged vessels are prone to hardening and subsequentnarrowing. For some reason, certain people are genetically predisposed to circulatoryproblems. Some unknown factor they inherited from their parents makes theirbodies less able to cope with the things that contribute to heart and bloodvessel difficulties. They may be troubled by elevated levels of cholesterol ortheir blood pressure may rise to dangerous levels, or there may be otherweaknesses. The trick is to be aware of any hereditary problems and to worktowards strengthening weaknesses.Despite the boom in fitness spas's, a government survey shows that onlyabout 8 percent of adults get adequate exercise. It seems we are a generationof couch potatoes and over a period of time, our sedentary habits can exact aheavy price. Aerobic exercise such as walking, running or cycling helps tosupply increased amounts of oxygen to the circulatory system. It alsostrengthens heart muscle tone and improves mass. There's even evidence thatit helps keep cholesterol at a healthy level.Research indicates that emotional stress can cause the body to releasebiochemicals that may contribute to the injury of arterial tissues. This, inturn, invites the formation of plaque.Preventive MaintenanceThe late, eminent heart specialist Paul Dudley White, M.D., once stated that"heart disease before 80 is our own fault, not God's or Nature's will."Of all the factors that contribute to circulatory problems, all but one - heredity- can be largely controlled by the way we live and the food we eat. Highblo...
