8 Surprising Things That Hurt Your Heart

 Know the Heart Facts:

A bad diet and too little exercise can have a negative impact on your heart health, but there are other sneaky sources of heart disease that you may not be aware of. Here are some you need to know about, and heart-smart steps to help you keep healthy.

Dental Problem:

Did you know that taking care of your teeth isn't just important for a great smile and fresh breath? It turns out that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease as well. Although the connection isn't completely clear, experts believe that bacteria from your gums can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation of the blood vessels. This can lead to other heart problems. So be sure to see your dentist every 6 months for a checkup, and if you notice any redness, soreness, or changes in your teeth, make an appointment right away.

Shift Work:

Working at night or during irregular hours can have a negative impact on your health, specifically your risk of having a heart attack. This is because shift work can disrupt your body's circadian rhythm, which is essential for keeping your heart healthy. To lower your risk of heart disease if you don't work regular hours, be sure to get plenty of exercise, eat a balanced diet, and see your Cardiothoracic surgeon regularly.

Traffic Delays:

If you've ever been stuck in traffic, you know how stressful it can be. That's why research has linked spending just one hour in traffic to higher odds of having a heart attack. High noise levels - like the kind you hear on a freeway - are also linked to heart disease. If you can't avoid traveling during rush hour, try to squash stress by listening to relaxing music. Or, share the ride and chat with your fellow passenger.

Snoring:

If your partner tells you that you snore regularly or sound like you're gasping for air while sleeping, it's important to see your doctor. You might have a serious condition called apnea, which happens when your airway is partially blocked and causes you to have pauses in your breathing. The disorder is linked to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, strokes, and heart failure. But there are treatments that can help you breathe easier and lower your risk for heart disease.

Not Getting Good Sleep:

When you don't get enough sleep, you're putting your heart health at risk. Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol, and increase your chances of becoming obese and getting diabetes. But that doesn't mean you should spend all day in bed. Sleeping too much (more than 9 hours a day) can also increase your risk of diabetes and a stroke - two major risk factors for heart disease. So aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to keep your heart healthy.

An Unhappy Marriage:

A good relationship is important for your heart health. According to a recent study from Michigan State University, older adults who are content in their relationships have a lower risk of heart disease than those who are not. The likely cause is stress. When you are stressed, you are more likely to make bad diet choices and do other things that can hurt your heart, like drinking too much alcohol. In addition, stress hormones may have a negative effect on the heart. Therefore, if your marriage is not a happy one, it may be beneficial to see a couple's therapist or clergy member together.

Too Much Exercise at Once:

If you want to up your heart health, there's no doubt that exercise is the key. But how hard and how long should you push yourself? If you're starting from zero or close to it, it's important to ease into things. Going too hard too fast raises your risk for heart attack and other issues, studies show. A good way to get started is with moderate activity like walking. And if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, it's always best to chat with your doctor first and get their okay before starting any new workout routine. Plus, they may suggest that you use a heart rate monitor to make sure you stay within a safe range.

Belly Fat:

Any extra weight is tough on your heart, but the kind around your middle is especially dangerous. It can trigger your body to make hormones and other chemicals that raise blood pressure and have a bad effect on your blood vessels and cholesterol levels. If you’re a woman with a waist more than 35 inches around, or a man with a waist more than 40 inches, 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.