Surprising Heart Disease Risks: 6 Things to Know

Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, responsible for one in four deaths each year. It covers a wide range of heart-related issues, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valve problems like mitral valve prolapse. Most people know about the usual suspects when it comes to risk factors—things like smoking, high blood pressure, and an unhealthy diet. But there are also some surprising factors that could put your heart at risk. Let’s dive into some of the lesser-known risks that you might not be aware of.

1. Vaping

Many people believe that vaping is harmless. It’s not true. Electronic cigarettes contain formaldehyde and acetone. These two substances can impact your blood pressure, provoke blood clots, and speed up the formation of plaque in your arteries. They also contain nicotine. Since nicotine is a stimulant, it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure.

2. Chronic Stress

We all know stress isn't great for our minds, but did you know it can mess with your heart, too? Chronic stress gets the brain working overtime, triggering inflammation in your blood vessels. This inflammation increases your chances of facing heart disease or even having a stroke. So, how do you fight back? Well, managing stress is key to keeping your heart in check. Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation are a good start. Plus, eating well, staying active, and keeping your weight in check all help reduce stress and lower your risk of heart problems.

3. Breast Cancer Treatment

Fighting breast cancer is obviously key to survival, but here's something you might not know: the treatments that save your life could also raise your risk for heart disease down the road. Women who’ve had chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer may find themselves dealing with cardiovascular issues later on. These treatments leave lasting marks on the heart. So, if you’re a breast cancer survivor, it’s important to keep an eye on your heart health. Talk to your doctor about how to monitor your heart and what lifestyle changes could help lower your risk for heart problems.

4. Deep Forehead Lines

It might sound odd, but those deep lines on your forehead? They could be more than just a sign of aging. Turns out, people with pronounced forehead wrinkles might have a higher chance of developing heart problems. Why? Well, those lines could be a sign of atherosclerosis, which is when plaque builds up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff. When this happens, your blood flow is restricted, and not enough oxygenated blood gets to places like your skin. Those forehead wrinkles might just be a signal that reduces their risk of heart disease of something deeper is going on. It’s not a definite diagnosis, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

5. Skipping Breakfast

People who regularly eat breakfast significantly reduce their risk of heart disease. Scientists suggest that eating a morning meal is crucial for cardiovascular health. If you skip breakfast, you increase your risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain, and obesity.

6. Premature Birth

If you’ve had a premature baby, your risk of developing heart disease later on is 40% higher. It’s not that premature birth directly causes heart problems, but it’s a pretty strong signal that you might be at greater risk. Some studies think that complications from premature birth could set the stage for cardiovascular issues down the line. By recognizing women who’ve had a premature birth as being at a higher risk, doctors can keep a closer eye on their heart health as they get older. This could make it easier to catch potential problems earlier.