5 Everyday Habits That May Be Hurting Your Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but many of its biggest risk factors can be influenced by the choices we make. Here are five habits worth paying attention to.

1. Sitting for Too Long

Whether you're working at a desk, driving or relaxing in front of the TV, long periods of sitting can affect your heart health. Regular movement helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.

Try this: Stand up, stretch or take a short walk every hour. Even a few minutes of movement can make a difference.

2. Skimping on Sleep

Sleep gives your body, including your heart, time to rest and recover. Consistently getting too little sleep has been linked to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Try this: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and keep a consistent bedtime whenever possible.

3. Letting Stress Build Up

Everyone experiences stress, but when it becomes part of your everyday routine, it can affect both your physical and emotional well-being. Over time, chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure and unhealthy habits, such as overeating and inactivity.

Try this: Make time each day for activities that help you unwind, whether that's taking a walk, practicing mindfulness or spending time with family and friends.

4. Ignoring Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often has no warning signs, which is why regular screening is so important. Left untreated, it can damage your heart and blood vessels over time.

Try this: Have your blood pressure checked regularly and know your numbers. If your blood pressure is high, work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to manage it.

5. Skipping Routine Checkups

Many risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and diabetes, may not cause symptoms until they've become more serious. Routine checkups can help identify potential concerns early, giving you the opportunity to take action.

Try this: Know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers, and talk with your primary care provider about what they mean for your health.

Your Heart Deserves Everyday Care

Taking care of your heart doesn't have to be complicated. Simple choices like moving more, eating well, managing stress and keeping up with preventive care can have a lasting impact on your health.

If you're concerned about your heart health, talk with your primary care provider or connect with the experts at AtlantiCare Heart & Vascular Institute.