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.
prescription pad drawn
Health Lab
Reducing dose of popular blood thinners may limit risk of future bleeding
For people taking the popular blood thinners rivaroxaban (brand name Xarelto) and apixaban (brand name Eliquis), after having a blood clot, a reduced dose may limit the future risk of bleeding as well as hospital visits, a Michigan Medicine-led study suggests.
older man with glasses standing at balcony with back to glass windows
Health Lab
Roy’s Michigan Answer: Second opinion saves patient’s heart
Michigan Medicine's team of cardiology experts offered an advanced, minimally invasive coronary intervention, which restored one patient back to good health
baby laying down with stethoscope over chest doctors hands
Health Lab
Comparing life threatening illness risk between two surgeries for infants with congenital heart disease
Newly presented data suggest that infants who receive a hybrid stage I palliation – a less invasive alternative for initial treatment – more commonly develop necrotizing enterocolitis compared to those who receive the standard Norwood operation, a complex open heart surgery.
purple gloves close up holding piece
Health Lab
Recycled pacemakers function as well as new devices, international study suggests
Recycled pacemakers can function as well as new devices, a University of Michigan-led study suggests. These used and reconditioned devices have the potential to increase access to pacemaker therapy in low- and middle-income countries, where many patients cannot afford the treatment.
clinical team and patient standing together
Health Lab
Planting a tree, and hope, for a heart healthy future
A complex mitral valve repair by Michigan Medicine cardiac specialists helps restore health and happiness to one Michigan patient and his family.