Five discreet habits that threaten the heart

Watch your teeth? Fond of mouth-watering steaks? These habits can wreak havoc on your heart. There are many everyday innocent habits in our lives that seem to be safe, but they can actually have a negative impact on the health of our "engine". Let's talk about such unremarkable hobbies, which, although they are not obvious pests for the heart, can, like a bark beetle, undermine its health. Let's understand it together with cardiologist of the highest category Tamara Ogieva.

Symptoms that should be carefully observed

Neglect of snoring
Many people consider snoring only a minor ailment. After all, it is just a noise during sleep, and there is nothing criminal in it. However, snoring can be a sign of more serious heart health problems. For example, it can be a consequence of obstructive apnea - a syndrome of short-term breathing stops during sleep. This condition can lead to high blood pressure and impaired heart function.

Poor oral hygiene
How are teeth and the heart linked? Scientific research from the University of Bristol demonstrates that there is a direct link between the level of oral hygiene and life expectancy. Regularly washing your teeth twice a day and visiting the dentist can extend your life by 10 years or more. This is because poor hygiene can lead to bleeding gums through which bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing blood clots and an increased risk of heart disease.

Excessive physical activity
Walking and swimming are considered the safest activities for the heart. Whereas intense workouts in the gym can have a negative impact on the heart. It is important to avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise. Most mistakes are made when trying to quickly lose weight and tighten the figure. However, the body reacts to such jumps with stress, which can cause a heart attack.

Overeating
Overeating is dangerous to the heart even in the absence of obesity. Large amounts of food eaten increase the load on the blood vessels of the abdomen, which makes the heart work to exhaustion. Even in those who are not obese, overeating can cause increased stress on the heart.

Excess red meat, lack of fruits and vegetables
Red meat (beef, pork, lamb) is rich in saturated fats that can increase the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. Scientific studies show that red meat should not make up more than 10% of total animal products in the diet. Replacing it with fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease by 20%. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and fiber, which helps clear blood vessels.

These habits, seemingly not directly related to the heart, can have an impact on its function. Recognizing and changing these simple aspects of daily life can help support heart health and overall well-being.