Things That Can Affect Your Heart

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States.

 “More than 610,000 Americans die of it annually; that’s one in every four deaths.”

The high-risk factors that affect your heart health are smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a lack of exercise. It must be a surprise for you to know these are not only the factors that affect your heart health, other things too play an equal part in it. Here are some of the other things that may affect your heart disease risk, for better or for worse.

Too Much Exercise All at Once

Exercise is great for your heart. But if you’ve never worked out before, too much of exercise can increase the risk of heart attack and other heart issues. Start with a gentle exercise like walking. If you have a high risk of heart disease, talk to your doctor, and consider using a heart monitor while working out.

Dental problems

Do you know?

“People with gum disease have more risk of heart disease.  “

The bacteria from gums move into your bloodstream, inflaming your blood vessels and causing other heart issues. Consult your dentist once in 6 months for a checkup. Spot redness or soreness on your gums or any changes in your teeth. Get a proper treatment to prevent the risk of heart diseases.

Not Getting Good Sleep

Getting sleep of less than 6 hours every night raises the risk of higher blood pressure and cholesterol. Insufficient sleep increases the risk of obesity as well as diabetes. Make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep to protect your heart. Consult with your doctor to treat insomnia or other sleeping issues – the sooner the better.

Early Menopause

If you’re a woman and experience menopause before you turn 46, your odds of having a heart attack or stroke are 2 times higher as those who go through it later. A drop in estrogen, a hormone with ticker-friendly effects, may play a role. Ask your doctor to test you for heart disease risk factors (like high cholesterol).

Hepatitis C

If you have this liver infection, you’re more likely to have low cholesterol and low blood pressure than people who don’t have the disease. But even so, you still have a higher risk of heart disease. Hepatitis C may cause inflammation of the body’s cells and tissues, including those in the heart. Consult with a healthcare provider immediately.

Belly Fat

Any extra weight can affect your heart healthy, especially your extra kilos around your belly. It may trigger your body to make hormones and other chemicals that can raise blood pressure and have a bad effect on your blood vessels and cholesterol levels. If you’re a woman and your waist is more than 35 inches around, or 40 inches if you’re a man, talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan. Research shows that yoga and short bursts of high-intensity exercise are great ways to whittle your middle.

Loneliness

“Lonely folks may be more likely to have heart disease.”

Spending time with your loved ones thwarts stress and helps you stay active.  If you’re not near family or close friends, get connected by helping someone in need, or adopt a dog or cat. Volunteers and dog owners might enjoy better heart health and live longer, too.

Know any other weird things that can affect the health of your heart, share with us in the comment section below.