Bad Habits Harming Your Heart Health

Habits That Are Bad for Your Heart

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming a life every 36 seconds. With this health condition affecting most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, it is important to eliminate behaviors that are damaging to your heart and blood vessels.

While many of us know that eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can support our cardiovascular health, many habits counteract these healthy lifestyle choices. The following is a look at harmful behaviors that may be taking a toll on your cardiovascular health.

Drinking Excessively

Over time, drinking in excess can lead to the development of chronic health conditions and other health issues that can affect your heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), binge drinking and heavy drinking can lead to the following heart-related health issues:

• Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking cigarettes is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases, affecting just about every part of your body—especially your cardiovascular system. Inhaling cigarette smoke, which contains harmful chemicals, inhibits your heart’s ability to pump oxygenated blood to other parts of your body.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), smoking cigarettes can lead to the development of the following cardiovascular diseases:

• Coronary heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysms
• Peripheral artery disease

Skipping Out On Sleep

Sleeping is an essential part of your self-care routine as it allows your body to function normally, which is essential for your heart to do its job. While many of us have sacrificed an hour or two of sleep to be more productive during the day, regularly missing out on a good night’s rest can leave you at increased risk of heart-related health problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that having issues getting good quality rest can lead to the following heart-related health problems:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity

So remember that in addition to following heart-healthy diet and exercise guidelines, it is important to follow other heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors, too.

Primary and Specialty Care in Ohio

The Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. includes both primary care and specialty care physicians who are committed to providing patients with high-quality medical care. Our team of board-certified specialists and skilled physicians work to raise the bar for excellence in health care service for our community. To learn more about our primary and specialty care services or to schedule an appointment, visit our website.