Doctors Warn: These 4 Habits Are Causing More People to Die From Heart Failure
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America and in the world. According to the World Health Organization, ischaemic heart disease showed the largest increase in deaths since 2000, when the death toll was 2.7 million. By 2021, that toll rose to 9.1 million. Ischaemic heart disease is one of many cardiovascular disorders, all of which can lead to premature deaths. There are many causes of heart failure, mainly unhealthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, there are typically no symptoms of cardiovascular disease, so people may engage in unhealthy habits while unaware of the toll on their bodies. Their first warning sign may be a stroke or heart attack. Therefore, it’s always better to avoid potential causes of heart failure, even if you’re feeling fine. Eliminating these poor habits won’t just help your heart; it can improve your overall quality of life.
Habit 1: Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Staying healthy all week and partying on the weekends isn’t a good balance, no matter its popularity. According to Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a heart transplant cardiologist, even young people with exercise routines, balanced diets, and overall sobriety can suffer from binge-drinking on the weekends. “This one day of heavy alcohol use, it’s not going to go unnoticed,” Yaranov said to Business Insider. In fact, excessive drinking can cause multiple heart issues, such as abnormal rhythms, heightened blood pressure, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
How to Safely Consume Alcohol
Let’s face it: The safest way to consume alcohol is by not doing it. Even drinking in moderation can come with health risks, including heart disease, according to the CDC. Knowing that, excessive drinking is undeniably harmful. As of now, a standard drink in the U.S. has 0.6 ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. (That’s about the equivalent to a 12-ounce beer with 5% alcohol or 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol.) If you still choose to drink, CDC and many other health organizations believe that a healthy limit on alcohol consumption is no more than two drinks a day for a man, or one drink a day for a woman. Additionally, there is no healthy way to binge-drink, which is defined as 4+ drinks for women or 5+ for men.
Habit 2: Excessive Salt Intake
A diet with excess sodium is linked with high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can over-extend or injure blood vessel walls and exacerbate plaque buildup. That is why high blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because the symptoms often go unnoticed. Eating less salt can reduce the risk of heart attack and heart failure, even in people who don’t have high blood pressure and other causes. Remember to check labels because you may be surprised how much sodium is in “non-salty” foods. Avoid or limit foods that are high in salt, such as:
Processed meats like deli and hot dogs
Pre-packaged breads and cereals
Soups, stocks, and sauces
Canned goods
Snack foods like chips and crackers
Fast food like burgers and pizza