7 Surprising Things That Can Hurt Your Heart [Infographic]

Heart disease can be related to many sources. Here are several you might not expect.

7:00 AM

Author | Kevin Joy

Most people know that smoking isn't a heart-healthy habit.

MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Nor is a diet rich in fatty foods — or consecutive days spent planted on the sofa to binge-watch a new favorite show. Whether because of lifestyle or genetics, culprits such as diabetes or a high cholesterol level also play a role in one's cardiovascular health.

In addition, many other things can be toxic to your ticker. Some of them might surprise you.

Consider these factors to help evaluate your own risk, and always talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Consider these factors to help evaluate your heart healt risk: Pollution, dental, weather, stress, snoring and loneliness

Sources: Hypertension, University of Michigan; American Heart Association, Melvyn Rubenfire, M.D., University of Michigan; Henry Ford Hospital, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, American Dental Association, American Heart Association; BMJ, University of York

More Articles About: Heart Health Heart disease Preventive Cardiology Cardiovascular: Diseases & Conditions
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of health care news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.
Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories
Health Lab
How Sports Cardiologists Help Athletes Train and Play Safely
Active individuals with heart-related concerns might seek the help of a sports cardiologist. Here’s what these medical specialists can do.
 emergency room front doors with sign and blurred motion of people and a vechile
Health Lab
Black stroke patients arrive later to hospitals, EMS less likely to notify
Research found that it took approximately 28 minutes longer for a Black patient to be brought in for emergency care after displaying symptoms of a stroke.
 person at counter with medicine brown bottle and pills
Health Lab
Most blood thinner dosing problems happen after initial prescription
More than two-thirds of those people take a type of blood thinner called a direct oral anticoagulant. These DOACs, such as rivaroxaban (brand name Xarelto) and apixaban (brand name Eliquis), are under- or over-prescribed in up to one in eight patents. These prescribing issues can have life-threatening consequences, and they most often occur after a provider writes the initial prescription, according to a study led by Michigan Medicine.
 person handling medicine
Health Lab
Older adults want to cut back on medication, but study shows need for caution
The idea of deprescribing is popular among older adults who take prescription drugs, especially those taking medication for symptomless conditions like high blood pressure.
 man outside blue shirt headphones watch
Health Lab
Physical activity improves early with customized text messages in patients with heart problems
A study found personalized text messages effectively promoted increased physical activity for patients after significant heart events — such as a heart attack or surgery — but those effects later diminished.
 blood pressure cuff on mans arm with white coat doctor taking it
Health Lab
Blood pressure high for years? Beware of stroke risk
A study led by Michigan Medicine narrows in on the cumulative effects of years of high systolic blood pressure — the top number on the blood pressure reading and how hard the heart pumps blood to the arteries — finding that a higher average reading during adulthood is linked with a greater risk for the two most common types of stroke.