Heart disease is a top killer worldwide. Learn about how the cardiovascular system works, what can go wrong with it, and how to keep it healthy.

By Mark D. Harris

Pastors and physicians are never off duty. I have the obligation, and the privilege, to educate family, friends, and acquaintances in spiritual and physical matters. One gentleman at church has an abnormal heart rhythm (dysrhythmia or arrhythmia). Another has cardiac manifestations of sarcoidosis. Still other church members have hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or heart failure. The article summarizes basic information on cardiovascular disease in a way, I hope, that will best meet their needs.

The Blood

Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removes harmful gases and waste products. Blood is composed of oxygen-carrying cells (red blood cells), infection-fighting cells (white blood cells), proteins, water, and an array of elements such as glucose (sugar), sodium (salt), and potassium. Blood is created in the bone marrow within long bones. The spleen filters solid elements (like aged red cells or sickle cells) from the blood. The kidneys filter chemicals from the blood, thus maintaining the proper chemical balance.

Blood is required for life. Leviticus 17:11 states that the life of the flesh is in the blood. In many other verses, the Bible equates life with blood (Genesis 9:4). If the blood is not replenished or does not circulate, the person or animal dies.

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