When you think about heart disease risk factors, common culprits like high cholesterol, poor diet, and lack of exercise likely come to mind. While those are major contributors, some lesser-known factors could also quietly increase your risk.
Dr. Fahmi Farah and our team at Bentley Heart in Fort Worth, Texas, explore five surprising culprits behind heart disease.
Your oral health deals with more than just your teeth and gums — it also contributes to your overall health. Those with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease because it causes inflammation and can lead to bacteria entering your bloodstream, potentially triggering inflammation in your blood vessels and heart.
Brush and floss twice daily, and don’t skip your dental checkups. Your dentist can catch the earliest signs of gum disease and prevent it from becoming a serious health issue.
That loud snoring or constant tossing and turning at night could be more than just an annoyance — it may indicate sleep apnea, which can take a toll on your heart health. This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, lowering oxygen levels and putting extra strain on your heart.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure.
If you’re waking up tired, snore loudly, or experience gasping during sleep, talk to Dr. Farah. In addition to cardiology services, we provide home sleep apnea testing. Treatment options include CPAP machines and/or lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart problems.
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis don’t just affect your joints and skin — they can also raise your risk for heart disease. Chronic inflammation from these conditions can damage blood vessels and increase plaque buildup.
If you have one of these autoimmune conditions, work closely with your primary care provider, exercise regularly, and start eating a heart-healthy diet to manage inflammation and mitigate your risk.
Women who enter menopause before 45 face a higher risk of heart disease. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause can affect cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood vessel function.
To avoid heart problems, start embracing heart-healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress. You can work with your primary care provider or a specialist to start hormone-balancing treatments, as well.
Most severely underestimate the mind-body connection and forget that emotional well-being is closely tied to physical health, especially where your heart is concerned.
The biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues, like chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, may also influence heart disease.
Do your best to manage these mental health problems and address them at the first warning sign. Prioritizing meaningful connections with loved ones, engaging in stress-relieving activities, and living a healthy lifestyle can support your mental and physical health.
While some heart disease risk factors may surprise you, the good news is that many are manageable with the right lifestyle changes and medical support.
By staying informed and proactive, you can take meaningful steps to reduce your risk and keep your heart healthy for years to come.
If you're concerned about our risk for heart disease, call our friendly staff at 817-720-5185 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.