Running Can Strengthen the Heart Muscle

Heart disease is one of the most frequent causes ofdo heart disease. One less frequent kind is called
death in the United States when persons of all agescongenital heat disease. It is caused by a fault in the
are considered. About twenty out of each thousanddevelopment of the heart before birth.
have some kind of heart trouble. About one personDoctors can now help a patient whose ductus
in three or four dies of heart disease. We find witharteriosus who didn't close, by tying off this blood
proper diet and exercise, namely running can lessonvessel. During a severe infection, such as pneumonia
the risks.scarlet fever or diphtheria, the toxin given off by the
People live much longer now, on the average thangerms may weaken the heart muscle. This kind of
they did a hundred and fifty years ago. We know soheart disease differs from most of the others in that
much more now, at how running affects the humanit almost always causes trouble only during the main
heart, within moderation. The heart is simply aillness or for a short time thereafter.
muscle, needing daily exercise can almost ensure, ifHigh blood pressure overworks the heart, because
there is anything you will not die from, and that isthe left ventricle has to pump against a pressure in
any kind of heart disease!the arteries which is higher than normal. Narrowing or
During the ages between ten and fifteen years old,closing off the coronary Arteries air also a frequent
the kind of heart disease called rheumatic fevercause of heart disease. In this disease, the heart
causes more deaths in the United States than anymuscle does not get enough blood though keep it
other disease. Between the ages of and twenty-four,nourished. Syphilis, if not properly treated may
only tuberculosis causes more deaths.carouse heart disease. Infection and ticking of the
Rheumatic fever may affect the heart by directlypericardium keeps the heart from filling or contracting
weakening the heart muscle, or by attacking theproperly, much as a very tight glove would make it
valves so they get out of shape and doesn't closeimpossible for you to close your hand tightly.
properly. This allows some of the blood to leakTo take care of your heart you should follow the
through and makes extra work for the heart. Theordinary rules for good health! Even more concern
heart will try to make up for this by enlarging, just aswith your heart...now that you know more about it!
the muscles in the arm enlarge if they are exercisedEat the right kinds of foods; get plenty of rest and
more.plenty of exercise! Running is one of the best ways
When the heart becomes larger, it also becomes lessto strengthen the heart. The sports needing top
efficient and eventually it may be unable to keep upendurance training will use running to build a strong
with all the work it has to do. There is various kindsheart and to improve their circulatory system.