Surprising Factors That Impact Heart Health

Did you know 1 in 3 adults in the United States suffers from cardiovascular disease? Most people are aware of the negative influences that impact our heart health, like poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity; however, there are some surprising factors you might not have considered. Read the four tips below in order to improve your heart health:

Sitting for Long Periods of Time
Even if you exercise regularly, sitting for long periods of time can increase your risk of having a heart attack. This is because the lack of movement your body experiences when you sit at work or watch TV for an extended period can impact the blood levels of fat and sugar. If you do spend a lot of time sitting at work or driving in the car, it’s important to build time into your schedule to get up and walk around, even if it is just briefly.

Poor Oral Health
People who suffer from gum disease are at a higher risk for heart disease – although the specific reason why is unknown. The link between the two is strong, so it’s important to make sure you’re visiting the dentist regularly and maintaining good oral hygiene at home in order to prevent the buildup of plaque that can cause gum disease. Speak with your dentist for more information about how these two health issues are tied together.

Depression or Anxiety
Like oral health, depression has been linked to an increase risk of heart disease although the exact reason behind this has not yet been determined. Angina and heart attacks have both been closely linked with depression, likely because of the impact that symptoms of depression itself impact both your mental and physical health. Warning signs like change in appetite or lack of physical activity can negatively impact your heart health over time if not adjusted.

Not Taking Control of Your Health
Many people make the mistake of thinking that they aren’t at risk or simply put off visiting the doctor for preventive checkups. However, through having your blood pressure and general health metrics monitored, you will learn of potential concerns as early as possible. Additionally, you can disclose your medical history to your doctor so he can provide you with the best plan for ensuring that your preventive health visits are as beneficial as possible.

Have questions about your overall heart health and how you can improve it? Find a Baptist doctor near you and set up an appointment today.