1. Introduction

Heart disease is the end result of a lifetime of unhealthful living. It is not due to diet alone or lack of exercise alone but it is the cumulative effect of all our unhealthful habits. It will become clear, after completing this lesson, that the entire body is involved in the development of this condition. Systemic impairment begins long before the symptoms of heart disease become apparent.

The study of the physiology of the heart will demonstrate the unity of the body. The various heart diseases differ in certain respects but they are all indications of total bodily enervation and toxicosis. There are many factors that contribute to this enervated state including cigarette smoking, improper diet and exercise, alcohol, stress, obesity, etc., all to be discussed in this lesson.