13 Facts About Your Heart That Could Change Your Life

A,Doctor,With,Stethoscope,Examining,Red,Heart,,Isolated,On,White

“Heart health is at the core of our being,” according to registered dietitian, nutritionist, medical exercise specialist, certified personal trainer, and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio in Virginia, Jennifer Scherer.

She says, without cardiovascular health, we’ll “have difficulty having anything else. We have to have a healthy heart to live to our fullest.”

And yet, millions of people face cardiovascular disease every year. So here are 13 interesting facts about your heart that will help you keep it in great shape.

13 Surprising facts about your heart health

1. 80% of heart disease is preventable.

Research shows that, while genetics play a role in heart disease risk, shared lifestyles within families make an even bigger impact. These include similarities in:

  • Diet
  • Physical activity level
  • Overall lifestyle habits passed through generations, such as smoking

Recognizing potential risk factors early on can help you adopt an effective prevention strategy. So, regardless of your family history, you can significantly lower your risk by:

  • Eating heart-healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
  • Exercising regularly
  • Quitting smoking
  • Regularly visiting your healthcare provider for screenings

2. You could have a heart attack without knowing it.

Contrary to popular belief, not all heart attacks come with dramatic symptoms. Up to 20% of patients have “silent” heart attacks with minimal or no noticeable signs–and they can be just as dangerous.

While chest pain and breathlessness are telltale indicators of a heart attack, many people experience subtler symptoms, such as:

  • Pressure or discomfort in the chest
  • Mild pain in the neck or arms
  • Nausea
  • Cold sweats

If you notice any of these milder symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away. And for severe symptoms, such as fainting or intense dizziness, seek emergency medical attention.

3. You don’t have to take a million steps a day.

Many people realize the importance of physical activity, but think they have to reach 10,000 steps a day to benefit. This simply isn’t true.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say that about 8,000 steps a day is sufficient to reduce your risk of death by up to 51%. And surprisingly, the intensity of those steps has a minimal impact.

So, if you use a pedometer or fitness watch, aim for 8,000 steps. To reach this number, you can:

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Take active breaks throughout the workday
  • Walk around the block during or after lunch

Just make sure to walk more than 4,000 steps, which experts consider a low level of physical activity.

4. Mindfulness is an ally.

A growing body of research shows that mindfulness meditation can help prevent cardiovascular issues. It can significantly decrease stress levels, contributing to lower heart rate and blood pressure.

Some studies also suggest that meditation helps balance hormones (such as insulin and estrogen) that, when out of balance, could contribute to heart disease. Not to mention, it can improve your outlook on life, encouraging other heart-healthy habits like exercise.

Related:   6 Healthy Heart Tips to Improve Heart Health

5. Expressing gratitude can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Gratitude does more than conjure up positive feelings. It actually offers tangible benefits for your physical and mental health, including:

  • Healthier lifestyle choices
  • Better mental health
  • Improved cardiovascular function
  • Healthy activity in the autonomic nervous system, which plays a crucial role in heart rate regulation and vascular wellness

You can keep a gratitude journal or simply express thanks to the people in your life to experience these positive effects.

6. Chocolate is great for your heart.

That’s right; chocolate isn’t just a treat, but a heart-healthy one. Dark varieties with at least 70% cacao are rich in flavanols, powerful antioxidants that boost heart function and lower your risk of:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes

Research shows you can reap chocolate’s benefits by enjoying small quantities six times a week.

7. Your oral health is intimately connected with your heart health.

Researchers have highlighted a connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions. That’s because bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and affect your heart.

To protect your oral and, consequently, heart health, you can use a few simple approaches:

  • Oil pulling: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes daily to reduce harmful bacteria and plaque buildup.
  • Drinking green tea: Its antioxidants can reduce inflammation in the gums and improve oral health.
  • Good nutrition: A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can support gum health and reduce inflammation.

8. Your gut health matters.

Gut health is essential for cardiovascular wellness, playing a role in:

  • Metabolism: Bacteria living in the gut produce enzymes that help break down complex carbohydrates and synthesize vitamins, impacting weight management.
  • Inflammation: The gut microbiome interacts with the immune system, potentially preventing or increasing inflammation–a known contributor to heart disease.
  • Blood pressure: Certain gut bacteria produce chemicals that, after entering the bloodstream, can help lower blood pressure–a crucial element in cardiovascular health.

Furthermore, researchers have linked gut health to mental health, and the heart is intimately connected to the brain via a complex network of nerves. This means there is a bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular diseases and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

You can take care of your gut, heart, and mental health by eating whole foods and probiotics, such as sauerkraut or other fermented vegetables.

9. Laughter is medicine.

Laughter does more than lift your spirits; it’s also beneficial for your heart. Research shows it can:

  • Increase blood flow
  • Stimulate the inner linings of blood vessels, prompting the release of nitric oxide, which helps arteries relax and supports healthy blood pressure
  • Lower stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, which narrow blood vessels and heighten the risk of heart-related issues
  • Increase endorphins, “feel-good” hormones that naturally combat stress and inflammation, relaxing the heart and blood vessels

10. Sleep is crucial for a healthy heart.

Research has consistently shown that inadequate sleep is associated with cardiovascular risks, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal heart rhythms
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
Related:   8 Tips to Prevent and Manage Holiday Heartburn

So aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night to keep your heart going strong.

11. Cold weather can increase your risk of heart attacks.

Cold weather narrows arteries, elevating blood pressure and diminishing the heart’s oxygen supply. This is why, in the winter months, Americans face up to a 30% higher risk of heart attacks compared to warmer times of the year–putting even healthy people at risk.

So, dress warmly in cold weather. And exercise indoors to avoid additional strain on your heart.

12. Noise pollution can harm your heart.

Research has linked chronic exposure to loud noises–such as traffic or overhead airplanes–to an increased risk of various health issues, including:

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Heart attacks
  • Stroke

Experts believe continuous noise heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease by acting as a stressor. It’s even been linked to other conditions like dementia, diabetes, and cancer.

While some noise is unavoidable, find ways to enjoy peace and quiet whenever possible.

13. It’s never too late.

Adopting heart-healthy habits at any stage of life can significantly diminish your risk of developing heart disease. In fact, one study found that making lifestyle adjustments at 50 could extend your life expectancy by 12-14 years.

Researchers have also found that simple lifestyle shifts–like eating plenty of antioxidant-rich vegetables and walking for 20 minutes a day–could extend life expectancy to 93 for women and 87.5 for men.

Your heart works hard for you every day. By protecting it with simple habits like eating nutritious foods, exercising, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing your oral health, you’re not just investing in extra years on this planet. You’re creating a healthier, happier experience for yourself for the rest of your life.

Use these cardiovascular health facts as inspiration to take care of your heart–and it will keep taking care of you.

References:

Cardiovascular Health: ​6 Surprising Facts About Heart Health Everyone Should Know | Heart Health | 30Seconds Health

Anatomy, Thorax, Heart Muscles – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

More than half of U.S. adults don’t know heart disease is leading cause of death, despite 100-year reign.

Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease – PMC

Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease: Historical Perspectives – PMC

Diabetes, Heart Disease, & Stroke – NIDDK

Depression and the Link with Cardiovascular Disease – PMC

Smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity, and obesity among middle-aged and older adults in China: cross-sectional findings from the baseline survey of CHARLS 2011–2012 – PMC

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A review of contemporary guidance and literature – PMC

Contributions of Interactions Between Lifestyle and Genetics on Coronary Artery Disease Risk – PMC

Genetics in Cardiovascular Disease – PMC

Genetic Testing for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association | Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine

Related:   5 Facts for Heart Health

Diet, Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Diseases: Linking Pathophysiology to Cardioprotective Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds – PMC

Family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), perceived CVD risk, and health-related behavior: A review of the literature – PMC

A Heart-Healthy Diet for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Where Are We Now? – PMC

2021 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Meditation and Coronary Heart Disease: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence – PMC

[Hormones and the cardiovascular system].

Chocolate Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies – PMC

Dark chocolate improves endothelial and platelet function – PMC

Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease – PMC

Combined impact of health behaviours and mortality in men and women: the EPIC-Norfolk prospective population study

Impact of Healthy Lifestyle Factors on Life Expectancies in the US Population

Turning back the clock: adopting a healthy lifestyle in middle age

Association of Daily Step Count and Step Intensity With Mortality Among US Adults | Cardiology | JAMA

Number of steps per day more important than step intensity | National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The impact of gratitude interventions on patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review – PMC

Recognising “painless” heart attacks – PMC

The link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease: How far we have come in last two decades

Therapeutic effects of green tea as an antioxidant on oral health- A review – PMC

Effectiveness of Oil Pulling for Improving Oral Health: A Meta-Analysis – PMC

Vitamin C and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake Is Associated with Human Periodontitis—A Nested Case-Control Study – PMC

Laughter is the Best Medicine? A Cross-Sectional Study of Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Japanese Adults

Sleep Deprivation Is Associated With Increased Risk for Hypertensive Heart Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study – PMC

Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society.

The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System and Its Role in Cardiac Pacemaking and Conduction – PMC

Heart Rate Variability: New Perspectives on Physiological Mechanisms, Assessment of Self-regulatory Capacity, and Health risk – PMC

Heart-brain connections: Phenotypic and genetic insights from magnetic resonance images | Science

Cardiovascular diseases, cold exposure and exercise – PMC

Gut Microbiota in Cardiovascular Health and Disease – PMC

Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components – PMC.

The Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: An Overview – PMC.

Regulatory effect of gut microbes on blood pressure – PMC

The Gut Microbiome in Hypertension | Circulation Research

Cardiovascular effects of environmental noise exposure – PMC

The Effect of Aircraft, Road, and Railway Traffic Noise on Stroke – Results of a Case–Control Study Based on Secondary Data – PMC.

Long-term noise exposure and the risk for type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis – PMC

Noise exposure and the risk of cancer: a comprehensive systematic review.

Chronic Noise Exposure and Risk of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis – PMC.

 

Author
Carrie Solomon

Carrie Solomon is a freelance health writer, web copywriter, and passionate wellness enthusiast. She’s on a mission to help wellness-focused companies everywhere educate, engage, and inspire their audiences to make the world a healthier, happier place. Learn more about her at copybycarrie.com or on LinkedIn.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*