6 Surprising Causes of Heart Disease

Doctors advise us to manage cholesterol levels and improve activity. But keeping cholesterol levels under check by limiting foods that cause the levels to rise is not so simple. Similarly, a family history of heart disease, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy lifestyle is not the only risk factors to keep in mind. You must also know these six surprising factors that could put you at risk for a heart attack.

6 surprising causes of heart disease

Insomnia (lack of sleep)

Feeling weak and tired is common if you don’t get enough sleep. If you persistently don’t get sound sleep, your risk of heart disease and heart attack increases. According to one research finding people who sleep less than 6 hours a night are twice more likely to have a heart attack than those who sleep more than 7 to 8 hours. Lack of sleep can raise blood pressure which in turn leads to inflammation. Both these conditions are not good for your heart.

Mouth Bacteria

Inflammation is one of the reasons of heart attack and the causes of the inflammation can be many.  Any condition that leads to inflammation predisposes an individual to a heart attack. Therefore, to minimize the risk, you should ensure that inflammation doesn’t occur and prevent it from happening. For instance, bad oral hygiene and periodontal infection can lead to inflammation in the heart arteries with fatty buildup.

Depression

People who are depressed find it difficult to enjoy routine activities. They often feel hopeless and worthless and also develop suicidal tendencies.  Depressed people lead a sedentary lifestyle and restrain themselves from activities and exercise. They are more likely to develop lifestyle diseases such as high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. All these conditions are potential risk factors for heart disease and heart attacks.

Coronary Spasm

The coronary artery goes in spasm – which is transient. Coronary artery spasm mimics a heart attack. This condition is known as Prinzmetal angina. This condition is commonly witnessed in people who are under emotional stress or who smoke or get exposed to extreme cold.

Working Long Hours

People who work long hours are at increased risk of heart attacks and stroke – According to a study published in the Lancet. Though the exact link is not well established, researchers attribute the risk to behavioral factors such as less involvement in physical and recreational activities and unhealthy food habits. The risk further increases with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

Sudden or Intense Exertion

Exercise is good for your heart and overall health and well-being, but excess is always dangerous for your heart. Among the recent surge in heart attack cases, the ones triggered by physical effort or exercise are on the rise. Up to 5 to 6% of heart attacks are triggered by exercise or sudden heavy workouts. Overall exercise is good for your health provided you do it with a set routine and under the supervision of a coach and after consulting a cardiologist – especially if you are in your mid-30s and 40s and beginning it for the first time. Sudden exercise, heavy workouts especially when you do it aggressively or under stress or when you are upset or angry.

Bottom Line

You know your body better than your doctor or anyone else does. Therefore, if you feel or experience something disturbing or not as right as it used to be, then this is the prominent signal that you need medical attention. It’s not only your heart per se rather your whole body sends messages if something is wrong with your heart. You should never ignore such warning signs. If you have any other concerns pertaining to your heart, then write, comment, or call us.