17 Everyday Habits That Are Bad For Your Heart_

17 Everyday Habits That Are Bad For Your Heart_

Summary:
1. Drinking Excess Alcohol: While a daily glass of red wine has health benefits, excessive alcohol is linked to health problems. Drinking more than three drinks per day can have a toxic effect on your heart. It can lead to high blood pressure, an enlarged and weakened heart, and a higher level of fat stored in your body. A good rule of thumb, and heart: Have no more than one drink per day for women, and no more than two for men.

2. Ignoring Your Sleep: Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a disorder in which your breathing starts and stops throughout the night. This causes sudden drops in your oxygen levels, which spikes blood pressure and strains your heart. If you wake up with a hoarse throat, or your partner reports heavy snoring, bring it up to your doctor. Your time sleeping matters, too, as research has shown a link between sleep deprivation and heart problems. Remember to aim for eight hours each night.

3. Sitting for Hours: Regularly sitting for multiple hours at a time can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke, even if you exercise regularly. Research has linked prolonged sitting with obesity, higher blood pressure, and an increased likelihood of death from heart disease and cancer. Experts think the lack of activity affects the levels of fats and sugars in your blood. You can counteract this risk by moving whenever you can, taking walks around the office, or even using a standing desk.

4. Overeating: Everyone's biggest concern from overeating tends to be weight gain—or maybe a stomach ache. But filling your plate up with seconds and thirds can cause way bigger issues. Heavy meals can also trigger heart attacks or heart failure—especially if you're already dealing with a heart issue, like heart disease.