Many things in daily life can cause heart disease.
For example, smoking, foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are all bad for the heart.
Some chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are big risk factors too.
But there are several things we rarely expect that can hurt the heart.
Air Pollution
Research finds that inhaling tiny particles of dust, soot and smoke can cause inflammation in the lungs, affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Long time exposure to pollution can also cause calcium to build up in coronary arteries, increasing heart attack and stroke risk.
Poor sleep
Many studies have shown that poor sleep quality is bad for the heart. Sleep loss is linked to higher risk of high blood pressure.
People with not enough sleep also have slower metabolism and less energy and easy to be overweight, which is a risk factor of heart disease.
Poor dental health
Recent research has linked unhealth gums to heart disease. This is because excess plaque inflames gum tissue, which may transmit icky mouth bacteria into the bloodstream.
Although more research is needed, experts say that it is beneficial to floss and see your dentist regularly.
Cold weather
Recent studies show that low temperatures lead to the body’s arteries to constrict and can rise blood pressure and heart rate.
People with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease are at a higher risk of heart attack, especially when they do physical tasks.
Too much stress
Feeling stressful all the time can trigger adrenaline, the body’s “fight or flight” response, which increase heart rate and blood pressure.
People under stress also tend to use substance more, like alcohol and nicotine, and eat more junk food. All of these are bad for the heart.
Snoring during sleep
Research shows that people who snore are more likely to have thickening in the walls of the carotid artery, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
In addition, people with sleep apnea have higher risk of heart disease.
Feeling lonely
Loneliness is bad for your heart. Researchers find that socially isolated people have higher risk of heart disease and stroke than their social peers.
This may be because people who live alone could be more prone to bad lifestyle habits, such as smoking, avoid exercise, drinking alcohol, and not seek health care when sick.
Source: Michigan Medicine.
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