Coronary diseases, blockages and other problems are the cause of a large percentage of deaths. It is important to know about possible problems and how to prevent them. Heart attacks and strokes happen when part of the heart or brain is deprived from oxygen and food. They are usually caused by blockages in arteries which feed the heart or brain with oxygen and nutrients. They can cause temporary or permanant disability, and often death. The clogging of these arteries usually occur in this sequence:

1 - Fatty substances from fatty food are laid down around the inner wall of blood vessels, where they sit and collect, making the vessel narrower. The clogging increases, and because there is less volume, the blood pressure increases - putting extra strain on the heart. This narrowing by buildup of fatty substances is called atherosclerosis

This buildup can be caused and worsened by: smoking tobacco, eating a diet with lots of animal fats, and by stress.

2 - This lining of cholesterol is very rough, and clots in the blood form when coming into contact with rough surfaces(eg a cut).

3 - The artery is blocked by the clot, so blood flow is prevented.

4 - The heart or brain cells served by that arterie die from lack of food and oxygen.

A common treatment for heart disease is the coronary bypass operation. Sections of veins are taken from the patients legs and then grafted onto the aorta and coronary artery so that the new way bypasses the blocked vessel.

Since coronary problems are very common in our stressed out, junk food world - it is very important for us to take as much precautions as possible. Here are some things to watch:

- Have a diet low in animal fats
- Don't smoke
- Exercise often
- Don't eat more food than is necessary
- Try not to become stressed
- Don't eat lots of salt