When it comes to heart health, most of us know the basics: eat well, exercise, prioritize sleep and get regular checkups. But there are hidden factors that could be quietly undermining your cardiovascular well-being – understanding these unexpected risks can help keep your heart healthier.
Energy Drinks: A jolt with consequences
Ayobamidele Balogun, MD
Energy drinks may be a quick fix for tired mornings or late-night deadlines, but their impact on your heart can be lasting. “These drinks are loaded with stimulants that can spike your heart rate and elevate blood pressure,” says Ayobamidele Balogun, MD, a cardiologist with Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care.
While an occasional pick-me-up might not be harmful to the average adult, specific populations are particularly at risk.
“Young people, whose bodies are still developing, and older adults with pre-existing heart conditions should avoid energy drinks entirely,” Balogun says. For older individuals, the combination of stimulants and existing cardiovascular issues can worsen outcomes, potentially leading to arrhythmias or even heart failure.
His advice? Vulnerable groups should avoid energy drinks altogether, while others should limit consumption and carefully read ingredient labels. When in doubt, reach for water, herbal teas or other non-caffeinated beverages to power through your day without the health risks.
Sitting: You should really stand up
Extended time sitting might be the new smoking gun when it comes to heart health. “Sitting for six hours or more a day has been shown to increase the risk of blood clots, which can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism or lead to heart disease,” says Balogun.
Fortunately, the solution is simple. “Take breaks every hour to stand and walk around. Even small movements can improve circulation,” he says. That movement can promote better circulation and overall health.
On the flip side, Balogun warns against prolonged standing, which can increase the risk of varicose veins. Compression stockings are a practical and effective solution for preventing complications, particularly for people whose jobs require long periods of standing.
Sleep apnea: A stealthy threat
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring – it’s a serious condition linked to heart disease. “There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central,” says Mark Zucker, MD, a heart failure and transplant cardiologist with Jefferson Health. “Obstructive sleep apnea, where the tongue falls back and blocks the airway, can cause heart dysfunction. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, is often a result of heart dysfunction.”
People with untreated sleep apnea may be at a higher risk for atrial fibrillation and other heart issues. If you or a loved one experience excessive snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep or persistent fatigue, it’s time to seek medical attention.
Diagnosis often involves a sleep study, either at home or in a clinic, to monitor breathing, oxygen levels and heart rate. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or other interventions based on the severity of the condition. By identifying and treating sleep apnea early, you can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of serious heart complications, Zucker adds.
Gum disease: The mouth-heart connection
Your oral health might be a window into your heart health. Gum disease can lead to chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of coronary artery disease, says Balogun.
“When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, bacteria from your mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting heart valves and causing endocarditis,” he says. Chronic inflammation caused by gum disease also accelerates the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Balogun stresses the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and visiting the dentist at least twice a year to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent complications that could affect your heart.
Carpal tunnel: it could be more than wrist pain
Mark Zucker, MD
Carpal tunnel syndrome might not seem like it has anything to do with heart health, but the two can be linked, says Zucker.
“Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal stenosis and atrial fibrillation can be early signs of a condition where protein deposits build up in organs like the heart,” he explains.
While the condition, called Amyloidosis, is rare, it’s often overlooked because symptoms – like fatigue, numbness in the hands and feet, and digestive issues – don’t immediately suggest a heart issue. “If you’re experiencing symptoms together, it’s worth consulting a cardiologist,” Zucker says, noting that early detection is key.
Amyloidosis is typically diagnosed through specialized tests, and treatments focus on managing symptoms and reducing protein buildup, he adds.
Social isolation: risk beyond loneliness
The heart thrives on connection, literally. Chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of heart disease by as much as 29%, according to recent studies.
“When people are lonely, they’re less likely to exercise, eat well or keep up with medical appointments,” Balogun says. “It also raises stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to hypertension and heart disease.”
To combat loneliness, Balogun encourages patients to strengthen their social bonds. Spending time with family, joining community activities or even scheduling regular phone calls with loved ones can help. “Grandparents who live near their grandchildren tend to live longer,” he adds.
Genetic Testing: A key to prevention
Family history plays a critical role in heart health, but genetic testing can reveal risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.
These tests can identify mutations linked to conditions like cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, and they’re now more affordable than ever.
“What used to cost $5,000 can now be done for $250 or less,” says Zucker.
He recalls a patient he treated who had a heart transplant for cardiomyopathy. Years later, the patient’s daughter developed postpartum cardiomyopathy – a condition that might have been prevented with earlier genetic testing to identify the family’s predisposition.
Zucker recommends genetic testing for anyone with a family history of heart failure, sudden cardiac death or other hereditary heart conditions.
“Even if you’re healthy,” he says, “testing can provide critical insights for your children and other family members, enabling early intervention and potentially saving lives.”
