Habits that are harmful to the heart

Not taking care of your oral health, eating salty foods, smoking... are habits that negatively affect heart health.

Snoring

More than just an annoying habit, snoring 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 skyrocket. People with obstructive sleep apnea are four times more likely to have heart disease risk factors than people of normal weight. Obese people are more likely to have OSA, but that doesn't mean lean people are less likely. If you snore and regularly wake up feeling tired, see your doctor.

Not caring about dental health

Although the reasons are unclear, there is a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. If you don’t brush your teeth, the sticky, bacteria-filled plaque builds up over time, leading to periodontal disease. One theory is that these bacteria trigger an inflammatory response in the body, and “inflammation drives every aspect of atherosclerosis.” Treating periodontal disease can improve blood vessel function.

Separated from the world

It’s understandable that you may encounter people who annoy you, frustrate you, or simply can’t get along with you. However, you need to cultivate relationships with people you really like. People who have 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.

Drink a lot of alcohol

Many studies have shown that a small amount of alcohol each day can be good for the heart. But in reality, many people drink too much. Excess alcohol increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart failure. In addition, excess calories can cause weight gain, which threatens heart health. The less alcohol you drink, the healthier you can be.

eat too much

Being overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease. Try eating less, avoiding oversized portions, and swapping soda for water. Dr. Sharad Kasarle also suggests cutting back on portions of high-calorie carbohydrates (like pasta and bread) and looking for foods labeled “low-fat.”

Smoking or living in an environment with cigarette smoke

No matter how many times you’ve heard “Don’t smoke,” 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 contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. High blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, and smoking are all risk factors that need to be controlled.

Don't eat fruits and vegetables

The best diet for your heart is a plant-based diet. This means increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and protein, and keeping processed foods to a minimum. In fact, many new guidelines recommend that half of your plate should be made up of fruits and vegetables. 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 less than three servings a day.

Eat salty

The more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure. One-third of Americans have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke, kidney failure, and heart attack. Before you open a package of processed food, read the sodium content on the label, and look for the outer aisle of the supermarket, where unsalted fruits, vegetables, and nuts are often sold. Most of us should keep our sodium intake below 2,300 mg a day. If you have high blood pressure or are over 50, cut back to 1,500 mg.

According to Dan Tri - NT