Most people know diet and physical activity are the two most important lifestyle choices for better heart health. But did you know you could be entertaining some harmful habits that may compromise your heart’s health? Dr Ian Weisberg, a cardiac electrophysiologist, recommends a holistic approach to health because the body is interconnected. Discover four habits you need to ditch if you want a healthy heart in 2024.
1: Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene may affect your oral system and your heart’s health. For instance, Harvard Health says people with gum disease are three times more likely to have a heart attack. Tooth decay and bacteria can seep into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation. Inflammation in the arteries can lead to cardiovascular conditions. Most dentists recommend brushing twice and flossing daily. Drinking water regularly also helps remove bacteria. Another good practice is scheduling regular checkups to detect problems such as gum disease early.
2: Skipping Breakfast
A popular trend among weight loss influencers is encouraging people to skip breakfast. You may also skip breakfast because of work obligations or lack of time. However, not eating breakfast could be affecting your heart negatively. One study in the Journal of Cardiology found that people who skipped breakfast regularly were more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than those who took breakfast. When you skip breakfast, your body’s metabolic processes are interrupted, which could lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
3: Binging on TV shows Regularly
Sitting up late at night catching up with Suits could provide a temporary escape from the pressures of daily life, but consistent binging could end up harming your heart. Binging on TV shows means sitting for long periods and having trouble sleeping. The British Heart Foundation says that sitting up for extended periods is linked with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism, a condition where blood clots in the veins. Dr. Ian Weisberg recommends regular body movement for overall body health.
4: Avoiding Social Interaction
Have you been skipping on talking with colleagues or having meaningful social connections? The American College of Cardiology says social isolation and loneliness are likely to increase the risk of hospitalization from heart failure by 15% to 20%. Chronic loneliness can trigger physiological stress responses such as inflammation and stress hormones, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. So, prioritize spending time with loved ones and having authentic conversations.
Takeaway
Heart health is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach. While your starting point should be ensuring a healthy diet and regular physical activity, you should also eliminate subtle habits that compromise your heart’s health. Ensure that you:
- Brush and floss daily
- Eat a nutritious breakfast
- Make TV watching a small part of your daily life
- Stay in touch with loved ones.
