A lesser known factor affecting heart function is the nerve system. The Sympathetic Nervous System stimulates the heart to beat faster and more forcefully. The vagus nerve of the Parasympathetic Nervous System passes through the skull and down to the heart to slow the pulse and decrease the power of each contraction. Normal function is the result of a balance between these two systems. Spinal misalignments, which interfere with these nervous systems (vertebral subluxations),

Staying physically active is good for the body and the mind. When we exercise, endorphins are released in our bodies which make us feel happy and energized. A regular exerise routine can improve our endurance, reduce our body weight and reduce our blood pressure. All of these side effects reduce the chance the of heart disease drastically. As we discussed in our blog, What Really Causes Heart Disease, inflammation of the blood vessels is the leading cause of heart disease.

Stress can directly and indirectly lead to coronary heart disease. The nervous and endocrine systems work together to regulate physiological processes of the human body. The neuroendocrine system is the mechanism by which the hypothalamus maintains homeostasis, regulating reproduction, metabolism, energy utilisation, blood pressure, etc. When the body is stressed, it's homeostasis is disrupted. Stress hormones are released and we enter what is known as "the flight or figh

For years doctors across the country believed that a high cholesterol diet was the leading cause of heart disease. They were wrong. Dr. Dwight Lundell, a heart surgeon with over 25 years experience is setting the record straight. "Simply stated, without inflammation being present in the body, there is no way that cholesterol would accumulate in the wall of the blood vessel and cause heart disease and strokes. Without inflammation, cholesterol would move freely throughout t