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How Could I Have Been So Wrong?

Mark Virkler's picture

I was 100% convinced that if I ate right, exercised, and didn’t drink or smoke, I had zero chance of ever having a heart attack. And yet I had one. How could I have made such a cataclysmic mistake? As a teacher of truth I was upset, angry and aghast that I held such a mistruth or half-truth. When I experienced chest pains, my wife had the presence of mind to give me a dropperful of Dr. Schulze’s “Cayenne” in some water, so my pains subsided and I walked into the urgent care facility 10 minutes later.

The same weekend I had a heart attack, Cheryl, my administrative assistant, had a pastor friend die while exercising. He felt something wrong, called his associate, and when the associate arrived 4 minutes later, the pastor was dead in the gym in their church. This pastor preached on healthy living and exercise, and practiced what he preached!

Yet I had another pastor friend who went into the hospital with chest pains and they told him he had 95% blockage and immediate surgery was required or he would die. He stayed in a couple of days under their watchful care while he researched heart disease and then decided to go home and make some lifestyle changes. He chose no surgery and is doing fine today.

So maybe I could have gone with his option and not had surgery, but I was so startled by the fact I had chest pains, when I believed it could never happen to me, that I chose to let them do heart bypass surgery on me. Both Patti and I have peace that we made the right decision.

Clinical studies have found that from 40 to 50 percent of the time, the first recognized symptom of heart disease is a fatal heart attack. It is the number one killer of people between the ages of thirty-five and sixty.

Apparently, the belief that if you eat healthy and exercise you will not have a heart problem is not totally correct. So can we get to the bottom of this? I began researching, seeking counsel from wise RN’s and PA's, and journaling intensely about heart attacks.

Links which overview heart disease

Six of the above nine I didn’t have and while my body naturally produces higher levels of cholesterol, it is debatable if that was a contributing factor as I have seen evidence that cholesterol is NOT the issue. (Note: Experts Review of 107 Scientific Studies: Cholesterol Does Not Cause Heart Disease – Statin Drugs are Useless.)

Genetics, yes, that is present in my family line and yes, stress. I normally abide in Christ but I do seem to live with internal stress. So according to this list, there is really very little reason for me to have had a heart attack with me NOT having 7 of the 9 contributing causes for a heart attack. If you weight each of the nine items evenly, at 11% each, then I had a 22% chance of heart disease. This is why I believed I did not need to worry about having a heart attack. (If you consider the order as an indication of the weight of the factor, my probability is even lower.) However, maybe this is NOT the proper list of factors which cause heart disease.

The book, The Great Cholesterol Myth, has only four items on the list: inflammation, oxidation, sugar, and stress. So stress on this list would potentially be 25% of the cause of a heart attack - a much higher percentage than the above list of 9 items. And I could concede that I had oxidation which leads to inflammation also, so now my chance of a heart attack just rose from 22% to 75%! On the author's website, he offers a free download of 100 heart-healthy recipes and other free reports.

In the hospital, the Lord spoke to me about where I had allowed stress into my life. He showed me how to repent and remove it. Concerning oxidation, about a month earlier our main H2 gas injection into our drinking water had begun leaking (for a second time), and did a lot of damage to our home so I returned it to the manufacturer. I had not yet gotten my portable H2 unit out of the closet and into use. (By the way, the portable unit puts just as much H2 into water as our main, under-the-sink model did.) The main function of H2 gas injected into water is the tremendous health benefits it provides as it gives drinking water anti-oxidant properties which have been shown to positively influence 170 different diseases.                                                                     

Reflections on what led up to my heart attack

I believe the cause of my heart attack was stress, emotional and spiritual. I loved what I was doing and was going overboard with it. Plus God had given me some directions about curtailing some of these activities, and I was bargaining with Him about stretching those rules. Then, heart attack.

So now I must learn to live more relaxed, taking more time to express the different kinds of energy available to me - not just mental energy, but energy from my heart (love) toward my wife and those I touch, and spiritual energizing as I play my autoharp and sing in worship unto the Lord.


Cardiac Event Series

  1. How Could I Have Been So Wrong?
  2.  Biblical Truths Related to Heart Disease
  3. Causes of Heart Disease: Inflammation, Oxidation, Sugar and Stress 
  4. Drugs, Nutrition and the Lord 
  5. Is Stress The Number One Cause Of Heart Attacks?
  6. Ever So SLOWLY Learning About Blood Pressure
  7. Common Denominators of Great Diets
  8. God Says I’m Healed Yet Symptoms Persist
  9. Symptoms Go into Remission as I Speak to My Body
  10. Does Heart Surgery Cause the Heart to Pick Up A Spirit of Fear  
  11. Must I Work Hard To Be Successful?
  12. Which of The 10 Commandments Can You Break And No One Raises An Eyebrow?
  13. Experience Rest By Learning How To Delegate 
  14. Living In Rest Requires Living At Peace With Myself and Others 
  15. For Heaven’s Sake, Celebrate!

Related Resources: 

How to Enjoy Vibrant Health!   How to Hear God's Voice!   
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Comments

Dr Stephen Dobbins 's picture

Hi Mark, thank you so much for your teaching. I am a family doctor in the UK and have recently had heart investigations myself. This has motivated me to do a lot of research of the most up to date and best literature. Non-hdl cholesterol IS a big factor that should not be ignored! I am a big proponent of life medicine which can greatly improve many risk factors. Even so you should check your lipid profile and aim to get your no- hdls down to less than 70 if possible. You may require a small dose of Statin to attain this. Can I recommend Dr Caldwell Esselstyn's book as well as Dr Dean Ornish who have both successfully reversed heart disease in their patients. Do not fall for the myth that cholesterol is irrelevant. It just isn't true.

Blessings

Steve

From Mark,

Steve, thanks, I agree and I am having my cholesteral checked every 6 months. Taking a scoop of fiber daily and Cholesterol Care from Restorative Formations. A month ago the tests put me in the "A" catagory which the doc said was perfect. So I shall stay there with the things I am doing.

Abigail  Taylor's picture

Hi Dr. Mark, God bless you and your family.   I am being inspired and blessed by your blog, and your sharing of others who ate healthily.   God is using you in a great way, by your research, and giving us the facts and help that will benefit to every reader. I see the enemy of our souls being defeated, as such great truths are shown forth in the blogs.   When you and your wife were at peace making the decision for the surgery, God knew it, and that is okay!.  When you are in connection with our Father, all will go well, regardless.   Thank you also for the great information you sent in part 2.  

Mark Virkler's picture

Don, 

I read your comment with interest and spent the day doing some research. Below is what I have found. Thank you.

 

Natural Approaches for Heart conditions

Vitamin K2

  1. Dr. Axe: Vitamin K2 Foods, Benefits, Recipes & More
  2. Mercola: What are the Benefits of Vitamin K2
  3. Mercola: New Study Shows Evidence That Vitamin K2 Positively Impacts Inflammation

Vitamin C

  1. This Vitamin Can Heal Arteries, But There’s a Catch! [Updated] by Dr. Darren Schmidt 
    1. How to Unblock Cholesterol Plaqued Arteries by Dr. Darren Schmidt, DC (17 minute video with over 1 million views)
    2. Standard Process -  Cataplex C (The real thing, not synthetic)
  2. Dr. Axe: Vitamin C Benefits the Immune System — and So Much More
  3. R-Garden: Vitamin C complex
  4. Mercola: Vitamin C

Blood Thinners

  1. Supplements such as nattokinase can work well to “thin” the blood and prevent unwanted clotting .
  2. Omega-3 fatty acids helps thin blood

Clean your Arteries

  1. Product Dr. Darren Schmidt recommends as rotor rooter for arteries – Cyruta
  2. GreenMedInfo: How To Clean Your Arteries With One Simple Fruit - Pomegranate
Dcn Samuel's picture

I am one who does considerble medical reading, but am definitely not a doctor, etc.  Two insights of amazing importance have surfaced in recent years, but have not filtered down throughout the medical profession.  Firstly, the beginning of atherosclerosis is usually due to chronic vitamin C deficiency.  Collegen cannot be made by the body without vit. C; thus, around 30% of us are in a state of subclinical scurvy.  Lesions form on arteries due to lack of collegen, and then the body pastes lipoprotein (a) from the inside to seal the leak.  Secondly, a full 90% of us are seriously deficient in vit. K2.  This set of micronutrients activates 17 different proteins, whose functions are otherwise idle.  Two of these, gamma Matrix and osteocalcin direct calcium to the bones and teeth; however, if they are not activated, the calcium drops all over the soft tissue of the body:  pituitary gland, heart valves, arteries  kidneys, etc.  Therefore, calcification of soft tissue has dire consequences in the long run as you might surmise.  What's really wonderful, though, is that as soon as vit. K2 is ingested, the reverse process sets in.  A study was published recently showing vit. k2 reversing hardening of the arteries.  Since I began using it 2 years ago (as a necessary co-factor for vit D3) the dentist noticed that my teeth are whiter, and the enamel is harder, and they are much less sensitive.  So between vit. C and vit. K2, I believe that these account for 60% or more of heart disease.  Credible references can be found by an internet search.

Nadean 's picture

Pastor Mark, even men of God are human. This morning I was in my beautiful God grown garden and burst into song, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses”. It was a beautiful peaceful time before I start my busy day. Yes, I have risk factors and will do repenting today. God is with you sweet friend as you continue to heal and grow in Him. I bless you in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your authenticity in sharing.

Ann Musico's picture

I so appreciate your thorough and prayerful explanations here. I am in a weekly call with your daughter and so have been praying for your complete and speedy healing and restoration and I am thrilled to know God has accomplished that! I am a health coach and I know you can do everything you know to do as well as you can and still have a health challenge. It happened to me 4 years ago. But praise God that He shows us what we can change and improve and I am looking forward to your next post. Blessings to you and your family!

Judi Rushbrook's picture

Hi Mark  - thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking article.  I've been wondering how you were, and what you were thinking now.  Many blessings - Judi (Brisbane, Australia)

Maria S.'s picture

Thank you for this blog. I’ve been following your health journey and was very curious to see what Jesus told you about it. We were all shocked of course but praying and believing for a quick and complete recovery. 

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Fulfill Your Financial Destiny

Fulfill Your Financial Destiny

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 66 Pages

Though the economic system (mammon) of this world is under a curse, we have received instructions for how to move out from that dominion and into the blessing of the Kingdom of God. God’s promises to His children have not changed with the whims of government or Wall Street, nor have His directions for how to walk in those promises. We can “choose not to participate” in the economic recession that is around us if we instead choose to obey the logos and rhema of the Lord and enjoy the blessings that result.

Price: $9.95
Gifted to Succeed

Gifted to Succeed

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 189 Pages

There is no joy so complete as knowing who you are -- who God has made you to be and what your basic giftings and drives are. The goal of this book is to get you effectively functioning in roles which allow you to adequately express your heart motivations and gifts. The fulfillment you experience when you function in your gifts and calling is a joy almost beyond belief.

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men." (Prov. 22:29)

Price: $17.95
The Great Mystery

Great Mystery

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 54 Pages

This is a workbook which guides you in meditating on hundreds of New Testament verses which speak of Who Christ is within us and how to touch and release Him and His wisdom, power and might continuously and effortlessly out through our lives. You will look up every New Testament verse on being "in Christ," "in Him" and "in Whom." In addition, you will meditate on the various names given to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and realize that all that He is is available within you and even joined to you (1 Cor. 6:17)! Absolutely amazing!

Price: $9.95
Health Mastery Through MRT

Health Mastery Through MRT

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 82 Pages

Wouldn't it be great if there were a way for my body to tell me exactly what it needs and desires, without having to take expensive or invasive tests? Wouldn't it be amazing if I could perform these tests as often as I wanted, right in my own home (or anywhere I wanted), with no costly instruments necessary? 

Price: $19.95

Hearing God Through Biblical Meditation

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 179 Pages | $15.99 retail list price

For many years I studied the Bible incorrectly, and it produced death rather than life. Even though I had a knowledge of the Scriptures, I did not personally experience the life and the realities they revealed. The Bible calls this the ministry of death, rather than the ministry of righteousness (2 Cor. 3:6–9). Upon coming out of Bible college, I found myself just like the apostle Paul, attacking those who disagreed with my theology. 

Price: $15.95

How Do You Know?

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 180 Pages

How do you know? What is the process you use to discover truth? I did not ask that question during the first 25 years of my life. I used eleven different methods for discovering truth including: if my parents said so, then it was so. If my teacher said it was so, then it was so. If my pastor said it was so, then it was so. If my theology said it was so, then it was so. I have discarded them all and adopted a twelfth method, which is in harmony with what the Bible teaches. We teach you this method in this book.

Price: $17.95
How to Build a Winning Team

How to Build a Winning Team

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 105 Pages

Can I succeed like others have? What do I need to do? How do I go about it? What if I don't have the gifts necessary to do something great?  The wonderful truth revealed in Scripture is that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary feats, especially when they say, "Yes, Lord" to the destiny He has prepared for them!

Price: $12.95
How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 44 Pages | Published 2002

This brief booklet walks a person through the main obstacles to speaking in tongues, and shows how each one can be successfully overcome. It is down-to-earth, practical and biblical, and in it Mark Virkler shares the struggles he went through before he was able to speak in tongues. Some were theological issues and some simply practical issues, like the fact that if I am going to speak in tongues, I will need to speak. Otherwise, nothing happens.

Price: $2.95
How to Walk by the Spirit

How to Walk by the Spirit

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 136 Pages | Previous name "Sense Your Spirit"

Are you like many western Christians who have been taught little about how to sense their spirits? Do you have trouble even defining what spirit sensations feel like within you, much less recognizing them? This training was birthed from Mark’s passion to live out of his spirit, and thus release the anointing of God. The problem he faced was lack of clear biblical definition as to what his spirit felt like. So Mark looked up every verse in the Bible on heart and spirit.

Price: $13.95
Intimacy with the Holy Spirit

Intimacy with the Holy Spirit

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 223 Pages

This book leads you in meditating on and journaling about two hundred and fifty verses that discuss the Holy Spirit. You will grow in intimacy with the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the anointing within you will increase! You will exclaim as the disciples did on the Emmaus Road “Did not our heart burn within us…while He opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)! In addition to being led to journal through these verses, you will read numerous two-way journal entries from Mark Virkler, as well as a five-page prayer at the conclusion of the book.

Price: $10.95

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