A Disbeliever’s Disease
Nowadays, the leading cause of death is heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease. This cardiovascular condition causes the arteries to narrow, resulting in reduced blood and oxygen reaching the heart muscle. Why is heart disease increasing worldwide? Who is most at risk for heart disease? What does the Quran say about this global problem? What are the major causes of heart disease?
Some heart defects are present at birth, while others develop as a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices.
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Overweight, lack of physical activity, stress, and alcohol consumption can cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease may be linked to blurred vision and loss of vision.
2. High Blood Cholesterol: High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Consuming excessive beef and pork may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes due to their high saturated fat content. The Quran emphasizes reflection on its teachings: “Will they not ponder the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Quran 47:24). This verse suggests that oxidized cholesterol clogs the arteries, leading to heart disease.
3. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: An unhealthy lifestyle, including a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol, is linked to heart disease mortality rates. Smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity are associated with coronary heart disease. Lack of sleep and unhealthy habits passed down through generations contribute to the risk of heart disease.
4. Obesity and Overweight: Obese individuals require more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients, leading to increased blood pressure. Obesity is associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, increasing the risk of deadly heart attacks. Quranic guidance is cited: “People who overeat punish themselves and oppress their bodies…” (Quran 22:10).
5. Physical Inactivity: Inactivity can lead to the buildup of fatty material in arteries, potentially causing a heart attack if arteries are damaged and clogged.
6. Smoking and Alcohol Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking increase the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks. Smoking is directly linked to one in five deaths from heart disease.
7. Mental Health Problems: Stress and anxiety increase blood pressure and heart rate, weakening the heart muscle. Depression affects recovery from coronary heart disease and increases the risk of further heart problems. Stress may contribute to cardiovascular disease risks such as smoking, overeating, and lack of physical activity.
Who is most at risk for heart disease, and what are the signs of an unhealthy heart? The Quran emphasizes the importance of following its teachings and adopting the lifestyle of the Prophets for a healthy life. Those who disregard Quranic guidelines, including disbelievers and hypocrites, may be at risk of developing heart disease and other deadly conditions. Quranic verses underscore the consequences of lies, cheating, and sinning, which can impact the development of heart disease (Quran 2:10). Signs of an unhealthy heart may include shortness of breath, chest pain, and pressure.
How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease? A commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial. The Quran guides us that to maintain a healthy and disease-free heart, we need to adopt a heart-healthy and righteous lifestyle. This involves incorporating practices such as prayer, fasting, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding overeating, abstaining from alcohol consumption, staying physically active, practicing patience, expressing gratitude, and relying on Allah to manage stressful events. As the Quran states, ‘The Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit. Only those who come before Allah with a pure heart will be saved’ (26:88–89).
O Allah! O Changer of hearts, Keep my heart firm upon your religion!
Author’s Note: If any Quranic teachings conflict with my views, please prioritize the Quranic guidance.
