Friday, August 5, 2011

Five Surprising Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

There are many things that can lead to heart disease, i.e. high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc. But there are also some relatively unknown things that can contribute to heart disease. Here is a list of those troublemakers and ways that you can fight to avoid them.

Sleep Deprivation - Sleep deprivation can increase blood pressure, disrupt blood sugar control and increase the production of damaging stress hormones. According to a Cornell University research study, getting less than six hours of sleep each night can increase your risk of heart disease by 39%. To ensure sound sleep, crank down the thermostat to between 60 degrees and 65 degrees. Most people sleep longer and sounder when the temperature is cool. Psoriasis - The skin disease psoriasis causes dry, red patches of scaly skin. If that is not bad enough, it's also been proven that folks with psoriasis have a 36% great chance of having a heart attack than people who don't have psoriasis. Apparently psoriasis triggers tissue inflammation which damages blood vessels and ultimately leads to heart problems. If you know you have psoriasis or suspect you have psoriasis, consult with your family doctor as there are treatments for this skin disease. Gums - Did you know that one in three Americans has gum disease. Gum disease is defined as a chronic, low-grade infection that can double your risk of heart disease. According to a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical School, the bacteria that make gums red and sore also attach artery walls, setting the stage for plaque deposits which eventually leads to heart disease. The solution for bad gums is to brush your teeth regularly and schedule cleanings and check-ups with your dentist at least every six months. Depression - Over 35 million Americans suffer from depression which can raise your risk for heart disease by 40%. Depression is triggered by a shortage of a chemical called serotonin. A shortage of serontonin can also cause high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and even clotting. To combat depression, try to spend time with people who share you interests. Join a club, go to church, take a class, anything to mingle with people. Stress - Stress can lead to high blood pressure which can eventually cause heart disease. To relieve stress is not always easy, but you should try to take a deep breath every time you feel yourself getting stressed. You also need to find some distractions, things that you enjoy, that will help alleviate stress.

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Heart disease is serious business, so don't take these suggestions lightly. Anything you can do to prevent heart disease should be in your daily routine.

Five Surprising Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

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