From the moment your heart begins beating until the moment it stops, your heart works tirelessly. In an average lifetime, the heart beats more than two and a half billion times without ever pausing to rest. Like a pumping machine, the heart provides the power necessary for life.

Just recently a friend of mine had a heart attack; she explained that it was the most painful thing that she ever experienced, as well as scary. Thanks to God her life was spared, as the doctors cannot explain her victory.

Her second chance was a blessing; however it may not be the same outcome for you. Although you may be reading this article – please take this message to heart “your heart is your lifeline.” Do not allow the stresses and demands of life and the lack of responsibility kill you.

You may not be experiencing hostility but it’s a good thing to know if you are close to a breaking point – don’t lose your cool. A research reports that hostility triggers and release stress hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones cause your coronary arteries to contract and induce a more rapid and powerful heartbeat. Increasing your blood pressure, the chance for blood clotting and raise the levels of sugar and fats in the blood. In which the stress leads to an increase in demand on your heart.

Did you know?

• Every 34 seconds a person in the United States dies from heart disease.
• More than 2,500 Americans die from heart disease each day.
• Every 20 seconds, a person in the United States has a heart attack.
• At least 250,000 people die of heart attacks each year before they reach a hospital.

How to Survive a Heart Attack When Alone:

PowerPoint Presentation – click here

The American Heart Association reports: 2004 statistics for the United States show that coronary heart disease (CHD) is the single leading cause of death in America. CHD causes heart attack and angina. For more information visit The American Heart Association at: www.americanheart.org

While it is impossible to eliminate stress from your life, you can calm and nourish your heart by regularly meditation and prayer. These activities produce the "relaxation response" – a physiological state that is exactly the opposite of stress – reducing blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the heart. Meditation and prayer can naturally include feelings of love, appreciation and forgiveness. Also visit the Association of Black Cardiologist website and purchase this wonderful book title “Why Children Should Know Their Grandparents”. www.abcardio.org/resources.htm. Seven steps the ABC recommends are: 1. Be Spiritually Active 2. Take Charge of Your Blood Pressure 3. Control Your Cholesterol 4. Track Your Blood Sugar 5. Enjoy Regular Exercise, East Smart and Manage Your Weight 6. Don’t Smoke 7. Access Better Healthcare Remember, “You can’t change your past but you can change your future”.