The 11 Worst Habits That Are Destroying Your Heart
Watching TV
Sitting for long periods raises heart attack and stroke risk, even if you exercise."Intermittent exercise doesn't compensate for the time you sit.
Leaving hostility and depression unchecked
Feeling stressed, hostile, or depressed? It can strain your heart. Everyone feels this way sometimes, but how you handle it might harm your heart.
Ignoring the snoring
Snoring may indicate obstructive sleep apnea. Intermittent breathing during sleep might raise blood pressure.
Not flossing
Dr. Ostfeld says gum disease and heart disease are strongly linked, but the cause is unknown. Without flossing, bacteria-laden plaque builds up, causing gum disease.
You're either all or nothing
"I see so many people in their 40s and 50s start exercising with good intentions, hurt themselves, and stop.
Drinking (too much) alcohol
Studies show that little amounts of alcohol may be helpful for your heart. Many drink too much.Alcohol abuse increases the risk of high blood pressure, blood lipids, and heart failure.
Overeating
In the U.S., 72% of men and 64% of women are overweight or obese, which increases heart disease risk.
Assuming you're not at risk
Stroke, heart disease, and heart failure kill more Americans than any other condition, including cancer.High blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking should be managed.
Eating red meat
Red meat should be eaten occasionally, not daily. Bacon, hot dogs, and red meat are high in saturated fat and may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.
Being a health procrastinator
Visit a doctor to get your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Elevated levels increase the risk of silent killers like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Smoking or living with a smoker
You've heard it a million times: don't smoke. It's worth repeating.This smart bomb targets everyone around you.
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