6 Worst Habits for Your Heart, Says Science

The leading cause of death worldwide is heart disease, and it’s often due to our everyday habits. Many people don’t take their heart health seriously until they start experiencing symptoms or have a heart attack. However, our lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on the health of our hearts. For instance, these are the worst habits for your heart in the long term.

By recognizing these habits for heart health and making changes in our lifestyle, we can help protect our hearts and reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s never too late to start taking care of your heart and making positive changes for your health and well-being.

Related: Sign up to receive delicious recipes, expert advice, and shopping tips in your inbox!

1. Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst habits for your heart health. The nicotine in cigarettes can cause damage to the blood vessels, making them more likely to clog and increasing your risk of heart disease. Smoking also raises blood pressure, heart rate, and decreases the oxygen supply to the heart. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health and overall well-being.

2. Eating a poor diet

A poor diet, especially one high in saturated and trans fats, can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is essential for maintaining heart health. Avoid or limit processed and fast foods. Instead, choose foods that are nutrient-dense and low in added sugars and unhealthy fats.

Related: Heart Healthy Snacks 

3. Sedentary lifestyle

Regular physical activity is essential for good heart health. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for heart disease. Engage in moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Finding an activity that you enjoy can make it easier to stick to a regular exercise routine.

4. Excessive alcohol consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can damage the heart muscle and contribute to high blood pressure, making it one of the worst habits for your heart’s health. Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake of alcohol, which is 1-2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women. It’s important to note that the definition of a “drink” can vary depending on the type of alcohol and the size of the serving.

5. Chronic stress

Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy, can help support heart health. It is important to recognize and manage stress in our daily lives. This can include setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking support from friends, family, or a professional if needed.

6. Neglecting your teeth

One of the worst habits for your heart health is neglecting your teeth. Studies show that those with poor oral health, such as gum disease or tooth loss, have higher rates of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks or strokes. Theories suggest the correlation of the two revolves around periodontitis, a bacterially induced chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tissue and bone that supports the teeth. This bacteria contributes to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Read next: 9 Delicious Ways to Use Inexpensive, Heart-Healthy Canned Fish 

Read more on Clean Plates

I Reduced My Sugar Intake and Drastically Changed My Heart Health. Here’s How.

We Asked Two Cardiologists for Their Top Heart Health Tips

The Best Heart Healthy Frozen Dinners, Says Dietitian