Unlike a popular belief that heart failure happens only to those who do not take care of their lifestyle there is a lot more that affects your heart
Heart failure—a condition where your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs—is very serious and needs constant attention. Unlike a popular belief that heart failure happens only to those who do not take care of their lifestyle—diet and exercise—there is a lot more that affects your heart, and most people do not realise it.
However, cardiologists emphasise that heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that it is not pumping blood as effectively as it should. Doctors warn the patients that they should understand that with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, those with heart failure can still lead active and fulfilling lives.
Additionally, they highlight the importance of recognising early symptoms, like breathlessness and fatigue, and seeking timely medical attention.
Overlooked factors in heart health
A few overlooked factors that cardiologists want you to know include:
Not sleeping enough
If you stay up late and are not getting uninterrupted sleep, you could be putting your heart in danger. According to experts, sleep deprivation increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest—all of which are life-threatening conditions.
If your sleep deprivation becomes chronic, it causes elevated blood pressure, which strains your heart and arteries, potentially contributing to heart failure. Insufficient sleep can also affect the heart's ability to pump blood and oxygen effectively, increasing the likelihood of heart failure.
Make sure to sleep and rest for at least 8–9 hours daily so that your vital organs, including the heart, work well.
Living in polluted areas
Tiny, invisible particles in air pollution affect heart rhythm, blood clotting, the buildup of plaques in arteries, and blood pressure levels, leading to heart failure. According to the World Heart Federation, the number of deaths from cardiovascular conditions caused by air pollution has been on the rise over the past decade and is set to increase further.
Doctors say fine particulate matter increases the risk of cardiovascular events as exposure to increased concentrations of PM2.5 over a few hours to weeks triggers heart attacks and death.
High levels of stress
High levels of stress contribute to heart failure - especially chronic stress—which causes increased inflammation that damages blood vessels and contributes to conditions like high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Also, doctors say stress affects lifestyle choices like sleep, diet, and exercise, which can further increase the risk of heart disease.
Bad dental health
Studies say those with poor oral health like gum disease or tooth loss have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart failure. Doctors say oral health is a silent contributor to systemic inflammation, which triggers heart attacks.
Brushing and flossing do more than just keep your teeth clean—they also help your heart.
Poor gut health
Poor gut health can contribute to the development of heart failure. The gut microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms living in the gut, plays a role in the overall health of the body, including heart health. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced, it leads to increased inflammation and the production of harmful metabolites that can contribute to heart failure.
