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Cardiologist Urges Breaking Eight Habits to Protect Heart Health

Cardiologist Urges Breaking Eight Habits to Protect Heart Health
Time to Break Up: 8 Everyday Habits Your Heart Wants You to Leave Behind · deccanchronicle.com

Heart disease can develop quietly for many years before someone feels chest pain.

A cardiologist says some everyday habits can make heart problems more likely.

These include smoking, eating too much salt or added sugar, sitting for long periods and not sleeping well.

Long-lasting stress and excessive alcohol can also affect the heart.

Skipping health checks is risky because high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol may have no warning signs.

Moving regularly, sleeping better and choosing healthier ways to manage stress can help.

The article recommends quitting smoking rather than only cutting down.

People do not need to change everything at once and can begin with one habit.

Checking heart-health numbers with a doctor is also important, especially for people with other risk factors.

Key facts

Habits discussed
Smoking, excess salt, added sugar, prolonged sitting, poor sleep, chronic stress, excessive alcohol and skipping health checks.
Silent risks
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can remain unnoticed for years.
Smoking advice
Reducing cigarette use may be a step toward quitting, but the stated goal should be complete cessation.
Dietary concerns
Sodium can come from packaged foods, pickles, snacks, sauces and restaurant meals; added sugar is common in sugary drinks, sweets and highly processed foods.
Movement advice
Take short walking breaks, use stairs when possible and avoid sitting continuously for long periods.
Recommended checks
Know your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and discuss cardiovascular risk with a doctor.

Sources

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