7 habits that significantly increase your risk

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2. Health

Created: 02/28/2023 09:53 am

Von: Natalie Hull Drawbar

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There are various risk factors for a heart attack. It’s good to know that avoiding some of them, such as stress, diet, obesity and smoking, significantly reduces the risk.

1 / 7Stress is a trigger for a heart attack that should not be neglected. If a person is under psychological stress and feels permanently stressed, due to work, family or partnership, blood pressure rises. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. If the body reacts briefly to stress with these symptoms, this does not necessarily pose a health risk. However, if the stress level persists and becomes chronic, this has a lasting effect on various bodily functions, blood pressure and the immune system. Cardiovascular diseases or a heart attack are often the result, according to the German Heart Foundation. (Iconic image) © AndreyPopov/Imago

2 / 7Lack of sleep is not only extremely exhausting, it also has a negative effect on concentration, the immune system and the cardiovascular system. If you sleep too little over a long period of time, you release more stress hormones, which put a strain on the body and can promote secondary diseases such as a heart attack. Going to bed too late, spending time on your smartphone in the evening, conflict talks or watching disturbing movies before bed can lead to problems falling asleep and restless nights. According to studies, this increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by over 45 percent. Restful sleep averaging seven to eight hours is essential for a healthy body and heart. (Iconic image) © Monkey Business 2/Imago

3 / 7Diet is actually a major risk factor for heart attack. For people who eat a lot of fat and calories, the risk of being overweight increases, which in turn is a risk factor for developing a heart attack. Adjusting the diet with a focus on more secondary plant substances in fruit, vegetables, coffee and tea as well as regular whole grain and protein on the menu significantly reduces the risk of secondary diseases such as heart attacks. (Iconic image) © NomadSoul/Imago

4 / 7Meals like a hearty roast beef with vegetables and potatoes tossed in butter also put you at a higher risk of heart attack. The more regularly you eat saturated fats, such as those found in animal foods, the more likely it is that your LDL cholesterol levels will increase. This is associated with the risk of vascular deposits from the excess blood fat, an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases. © Monkey Business/Imago

5 / 7Anyone who hardly moves, spends a lot of time sitting or lying down and rarely goes out into the fresh air is at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you then add an unhealthy diet with fatty and sweet food and arteriosclerosis, the risk of a heart attack, for example, increases even further. The less someone moves, the more likely it is that they will become overweight and the associated complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiac insufficiency. Those who exercise regularly can reduce their own cardiovascular risk profile for coronary heart disease by almost 50 percent. (Iconic image) © Monkey Business 2/Imago

6 / 7Smoking is also considered a risk factor for the development of a myocardial infarction. According to a study, the risk of suffering a heart attack increases by more than six percent with every additional cigarette. Regular tobacco use promotes cardiovascular disease. (symbol image) © dpa/(symbol image)

7 / 7Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, as a study by the Heart and Vascular Center at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) shows. Even a small glass of wine or a beer a day can resolve atrial fibrillation. In addition, alcohol in the body causes blood pressure to rise, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks if consumed regularly. © Ezequiel Gimà nez/IMAGO

There are various reasons why a person suffers a heart attack: starting with diseases such as cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure, to an unhealthy lifestyle caused by stress, a high-fat and high-calorie diet, lack of sleep, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The risk factors for a heart attack also include gender, age, genetic factors and underlying diseases such as high blood pressure. In Germany, more than 300,000 people suffer a heart attack every year.

Changing bad habits and avoiding certain risk factors such as smoking and an unhealthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions regarding clinical pictures.