A new study shows that arteries of obese teens often look more like those of a 45-year old, complete with plaque buildup often associated with heart attacks or stroke. Scientists used ultrasound imaging to do the research in order to detected fatty depositsin the arteries of the participants.
In addition, it was discovered that more than half of the 70 youngsters, ages 10 to 18, had a "vascular age" nearly 30 years older than their actual age, putting them at risk for early heart attacks, stroke - and death. The research was presented Tuesday in New Orleans at the American Heart Association's gathering.
Physical heart disease is unquestionably a serious matter. But spiritual heart disease is far more deadly because it is eternally devastating - an alarming truth displayed throughout Scripture.
* A spiritually unhealthy and callous heart leads to the judgement of God.
"But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his deeds." (Romans 2:4-6)
* A spiritually healthy heart is formed by faith, trust and belief in Jesus Christ.
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
* A spiritually healthy heart leads to Christian service and Godly living.
"But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18)
*A spiritually healthy heart can literally affect the condition of the physical heart.
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8)
* Finally, a spiritually healthy heart opens the door to a heavenly home.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
The lead author of the above study, Dr. Geetha Raghuveer of the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, stated, "There's a saying that you're as old as your arteries."
That may be true of one's physical heart chronologically speaking. But the author of creation itself, and the source of all Biblical truth, has revealed something of ultimate importance. He gave a blessed promise to His Old Testament people and one which applies today to all whose hearts have been made eternally healthy by faith in His Son.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Bill Breckenridge
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