Habits that are harmful to the heart.

Neglecting oral hygiene, eating a salty diet, smoking... are all habits that negatively impact heart health.

Snoring

Snoring is not just an annoying habit; it can be a sign of a much more serious disorder: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This disorder, characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, can cause blood pressure to spike. People with obstructive sleep apnea are four times more likely to have risk factors for heart disease than the general population. Obese people are more susceptible to OSA, but that doesn't mean the risk is lower in thinner people. If you snore frequently and often wake up feeling tired, you should see a doctor.

Neglecting oral health

Although the exact reasons are unclear, there is a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. If you don't brush your teeth, plaque full of bacteria accumulates over time, leading to periodontal disease. One theory is that these bacteria trigger an inflammatory response in the body, and "inflammation fuels all aspects of atherosclerosis." Treating periodontal disease can improve vascular function.

Isolated from the world.

It's understandable that you might encounter someone who annoys you, frustrates you, or simply isn't someone you can live with. However, you need to strengthen relationships with the people you genuinely like. People with strong connections to family, friends, and society tend to live longer and healthier lives. Everyone needs time for themselves, but you also need to care about others and stay in touch with them whenever possible.

Drinking too much alcohol

Many studies have shown that a small amount of alcohol daily can be good for the heart. However, in reality, many people drink too much. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart failure. In addition, excess calories can lead to weight gain, threatening cardiovascular health. The less alcohol you drink, the healthier you can live.

Eating too much

Being overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease. Try eating less, avoid oversized portions, and replace sugary drinks with water. Dr. Sharad Kasarle also suggests reducing portions of high-calorie carbohydrate-rich foods (like pasta and bread) and looking for foods labeled "low-fat."

Smoking or living in an environment with cigarette smoke.

Even though you've heard "Don't smoke" a thousand times, it's worth repeating. "Smoking is a total disaster for the heart," says Dr. Kasarle. Smoking promotes blood clots, which can block blood flow to the heart and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. High blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, and smoking are all risk factors that need to be addressed.

Do not eat fruits and vegetables.

The best diet for the heart is a fruit and vegetable-based diet. This means increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and protein, while keeping processed foods to a minimum. In fact, many new guidelines recommend that fruits and vegetables should make up half of your plate. Researchers have found that people who eat more than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day have a 20% lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who eat fewer than three servings a day.

Salty food

The more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure will rise. One-third of Americans now have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke, kidney failure, and heart attack. Before opening a package of processed food, carefully read the salt content on the label, and look for the outside aisles of the supermarket that often stock unsalted fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Most of us should keep our salt intake below 2,300 mg per day. If you have high blood pressure or are over 50, you need to reduce your salt intake to 1,500 mg.

According to Dan Tri - NT