Summer  was the busiest and best season for Ken, the owner of a small-engine  repair shop. But Ken’s long hours and hectic schedule were  interrupted—permanently. At age 46, overweight and a smoker, Ken’s first  symptom of heart trouble was his last—he fell victim to a sudden, fatal  heart attack. Ken had been sure he was fine.  He had never had chest  pain or shortness of breath.  
Ken’s story is not uncommon. Although heart attacks occur when arteries  become narrowed by cholesterol, this occurs less than 30 percent of the  time.1 Instead, most heart attacks and many strokes originate from small  but unstable fatty deposits in arteries called plaques. When they  rupture, they release deadly compounds that can produce life-threatening  clots.
Although arteries have often been compared to ordinary plumbing pipes,  these vessels are much more complex than simple pipes. Arteries are  living tissues that contain powerful chemicals involved in immune  function, inflammation, clotting, and more.2  
The most common disease of these living tissues is atherosclerosis, once  called “hardening of the arteries.” But it actually involves more than  “hardening” (sclerosis). Atherosclerosis also involves a “mushy,” fat  component. In fact, the process begins when fats (such as cholesterol)  move from the blood into the lining of the blood vessels. These fatty  deposits are a part of an inflammation process which causes a greater  risk for heart attack and stroke.
When working correctly, acute (short-term) inflammation causes the  body’s immune system to heal when injuries have occurred.  But chronic  (long-term) over activation of the immune system can cause serious  problems. Such is the case in diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid  arthritis, and asthma. It is also true in atherosclerosis.
Inflammation literally means “on fire.” Indeed, scientists now realize  chronic inflammation is a major—if not the major—culprit in coronary  artery disease. It underlies not only the creation of fatty plaques but  also their growth and rupture.  
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Is there anything we can do to dampen the fires of inflammation in our  bodies? Fortunately for our arteries, the answer is a resounding “yes.”  Lifestyle choices can have a major effect on the inflammation process  involved in heart disease.   
Here are a few timely tips for keeping your “ticker” in top shape,  reducing inflammation and sudden heart attack risk while improving heart  health—naturally!
1. Stop the Smokes. Smoking as few as two cigarettes a day significantly  increases inflammation throughout your body.3  Smoking robs your heart  of oxygen. Quitting dramatically reduces your risk of heart attack.4

2. Ditch the drinks and enjoy water. Sugary drinks fuel belly fat, which  stokes the fires of inflammation linked not only with heart disease,  but also diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. This is because the fat  carried around our bellies is metabolically active, producing chemicals  that heighten inflammation throughout the body. The top source of added  sugar in the United States population is sweetened drinks.5  Losing  even small amounts of excess weight reduce heart attack, cancer, and  diabetes risk. Ditch sugary drinks and enjoy fresh, pure water and  soothing herbal teas. Aim for 8-10 cups of water each day.

3. Shop Defensively. The produce department has been called “the  Department of Defense” when it comes to disease prevention.  Spend more  time shopping in the fruit and vegetable aisles and fill up your cart  and your body with these foods to dramatically lower inflammation  throughout your body. In general, animal products tend to fan the flames  of inflammation while plant foods dampen them.  Increase omega-3 fats  with mineral-rich walnuts, chia or ground flax seed.

4. Get in “D” Sun.  Low levels of vitamin D, the “sunshine” vitamin, are  connected with increased risk of heart disease.  Enjoy outdoor time in  the sun responsibly. You may need to supplement.

5. Move it and Lose it.  Lack of physical exercise is second only to  smoking as a risk factor for heart disease. Daily exercise is linked to  lower cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, better diabetes  control, improved mood and sleep, and fewer joint problems.   

6. Stack Those “ZZZs”. Lack of sleep increases heart attack risk. Tone  down the intensity of evening activities; avoid caffeine, alcohol, and  heavy meals at night, and your sleep quality will improve. Guard your  bedtime—it is healing time.

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7. Watch Your Mouth.  Gum diseases which cause inflammation are linked  with bacterial infections that can contribute to heart disease.  Also,  heart disease, obesity, and diabetes increase the risk of gum problems.   Daily flossing and brushing, avoidance of soda pop, and enjoying a diet  rich in plant foods helps your mouth as well as your heart.

8. Mind Your Matters.  Scientists have found a compelling link between  stress and inflammation. Although we can’t always control the things  that come at us, we can often learn better ways to cope. Take time to  unwind by spending more time with friends and family.  Trim your  schedule and add daily time with God in Bible study and prayer.   The  Living Word
God Cares about Your Heart. God speaks of the heart as more than an  organ that pumps blood. The Bible uses the heart to represent the  springboard of our actions and the seat of our emotions. “Give me your  heart, and let your eyes take delight in my ways.” Proverbs 23:26. Would  you allow Jesus Christ—the God of all healing, comfort, and love— to  help you form new habits and renew your inner life? You can start today—  one choice at a time—and gain more optimal health while “losing”  needless suffering!


 1 AJM Jan 2009: S10. 

2 Heart Health in the Inflammation Age. Peter  Libby. Scientific American Presents: Oral and Whole Body Health. Special  publication by Proctor and Gamble, 2006. 

3 Respir Res. 2005; 6(1): 22. 

4  Evidence-based Medicine 2004(9):28. 

5 Expanded Food and Nutrition  Education Program (EFNEP)

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