Heart health is often taken for granted until a problem arises, but many of us engage in everyday habits that could be silently damaging our hearts.
Despite leading seemingly healthy lifestyles, these habits can sneak up on us and lead to serious cardiovascular issues.
Understanding these hidden dangers is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart. Here, we reveal seven shocking habits that might be putting your heart at risk without you even realizing it.
1. Difficulty Breathing While Lying Down
Difficulty breathing while lying flat, which improves when sitting upright, may indicate fluid buildup in the lungs, a sign of heart failure.
According to Dr. Jim Liu, cardiologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, this condition, known as orthopnea, happens because the heart struggles to pump the extra blood volume that gets redistributed when lying down.
Immediate medical attention is needed for such symptoms.
Snoring can also be a red flag. Sleep-disordered breathing, like sleep apnea, is associated with metabolic syndrome and heart disease.
Between 40% and 80% of people in the U.S. with heart disease also have obstructive sleep apnea, which can exacerbate heart problems.
2. Circulation Concerns: Leg or Hip Pain While Walking
Pain in the legs or hips while walking might be more than just a sign of aging or arthritis. It could indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), where blockages in the leg arteries mirror those in the heart.
Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt from Mount Sinai Health System explains that this circulation-related pain occurs during exercise and stops when at rest due to limited oxygen supply to the muscles.
PAD can signal broader cardiovascular issues and requires medical evaluation.
3. Erectile Dysfunction or Vaginal Dryness
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and vaginal dryness can both be indicators of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Michael Blaha from Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that ED often results from blood flow problems, with risk factors similar to heart disease.
For women, reduced blood flow can cause vaginal dryness, lack of libido, and decreased clitoral sensation.
These symptoms may point to endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to heart disease.
4. Swollen Ankles
Swelling in both ankles can be a sign that the heart isn’t effectively pumping blood, leading to fluid accumulation.
According to a study, fluid in the lower extremities is associated with future hospitalizations for heart failure.
Swelling in one leg might indicate a blood clot or infection, but when accompanied by heart failure symptoms like shortness of breath, it requires prompt medical attention.
5. Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired from everyday activities could indicate obstructed coronary arteries.
Fatigue is often the first symptom women experience before a cardiac event, says Jean McSweeney, professor emerita at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
This could result from reduced blood flow to the heart, warranting a doctor’s consultation if such fatigue persists.
6. Waking Up to Pee Frequently
Nighttime urination, or nocturia, can be more than just an annoyance.
A weak heart may cause fluid buildup in the legs, which drains back to the heart at night, increasing the need to pee. While more common with age and conditions like an enlarged prostate or incontinence, frequent nighttime urination paired with swollen ankles suggests heart issues, according to Dr. Bhatt.
7. Poor Dental Health and Bad Breath
Oral health is closely linked to heart health. Bad breath caused by periodontal disease can lead to inflammation and clogged arteries.
Florida periodontist David Genet emphasizes the importance of regular dental cleanings as part of overall health maintenance.
Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular problems.
Final thoughts
Understanding these sneaky habits and their potential impact on heart health is crucial for preventing serious cardiovascular issues.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Taking proactive steps can significantly improve heart health and overall well-being.
