When people talk about heart health, they typically bring up issues such as tobacco use, a lack of physical activity, or a diet that is high in cholesterol. There are, on the other hand, other less obvious factors that may very quietly put your heart in danger. Despite receiving less attention, these factors are still important. Here are five hidden heart health risks that you might not be giving proper attention to.
1. Gum Disease Can Hurt More Than Your Smile
Inflammation is a component of gum disease, and this inflammation can spread throughout your bloodstream and affect your arteries. The effects are related to the heart. Flossing, brushing, and visiting the dentist for the purpose of cleaning the heart are all activities that also provide benefits for your heart health.
According to the American Heart Association, people with gum disease are at a higher risk. There are more reasons to floss your teeth than just to freshen your breath, making this one of the most unexpected heart health factors many people overlook.
2. Small Habits That Add Up
Some heart-stressing habits, like sitting for extended periods, consuming excessive amounts of processed foods, or experiencing constant stress, may not be immediately apparent. These signs, though not as conspicuous as smoking or putting on weight, accumulate over time and affect your heart health.
You should instead make sure to stay active during the day as the CDC suggests. You can do this by standing and changing your position every hour. It can help to track your diet and stress levels as well.
3. Air Pollution Plays a Bigger Role Than You Think
If you breathe in smoke from factories, cars, and wildfires, tiny particles may enter your bloodstream. As they get in, your body may get inflamed, and inflammation can cause high blood pressure. If you breathe in smoke from factories, cars, and wildfires for a long time, it can significantly damage your heart, affecting your heart health even worse.
More than you think, long-term exposure to dirty air causes people to die from heart disease every year, and it is one of the top killers in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Dirty air does not offer the opportunity for physical activity, and air scrubbers do not offer the opportunity to stay outside, which is a phenomenon.
4. Bad Sleep Habits Take a Toll
Sleep is integral for recovery, particularly for the heart and blood vessels. Lack of sleep, going to bed at late hours, and suffering from sleep apnea all increase the odds that you will have heart disease and hypertension.
The average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep per night in order to feel well-rested. Because good sleep is also good for the heart, you might consult a sleep physician. The better you sleep, the less likely you are to require a doctor.
5. Stress Isn’t Just in Your Head
You might do things that are harmful to your heart, like not getting enough sleep or food, when you worry for a long time. Your blood pressure may also go up. In addition, stress could cause inflammation, which is a significant factor in heart disease and can weaken your heart health over time.
Other methods for relieving stress are taking deep breaths, strolling, and hanging out with those you care about. The Mayo Clinic suggests that managing worry benefits both your heart and mind due to their interconnectedness. Stress is one of the unexpected heart health factors that many people fail to address.
Paying Attention Helps You Stay Ahead
While hidden risks may be difficult to anticipate, they can have significant consequences if ignored. The upside is, to be forever in the lead, no drastic efforts are required.
As a start, make sure your oral cavity is in great shape, you move around more every day, you sleep better, and you handle your stress better. The more aware you are, the more you can do to improve your heart health and avoid hidden causes of heart disease.
