Cardiologist shares 5 habits she never ignores for a healthy heart: ‘A shocking amount…’
Dr Nicole Harkin, a board-certified cardiologist, shared a list of five habits she never ignores for maintaining a healthy heart in an Instagram post. These habits include avoiding smoking and vaping, limiting processed meats, not dismissing chest pain, prioritizing good-quality sleep, and being aware of one's family history of heart disease.
Harkin explained that nicotine, found in cigarettes and vaping products, is a major risk factor for heart attacks, particularly in young women. She emphasized that many heart attacks she has seen in her young female patients were in those who smoke or vape. Chest pain is another red flag that should never be ignored, as Harkin warned that "A shocking amount of heart attacks happen in people who would be considered low risk by traditional screening criteria." This is especially true when chest pain persists for hours.
Processed meats, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and deli meats, have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease when consumed regularly. Harkin cautioned that these foods can "trash your arteries" due to their high sodium, saturated fat, and preservative content.
Family history of heart disease is another crucial factor to consider. Harkin stressed that while it cannot be changed, being aware of it can help individuals seek early screening and more aggressive risk reduction measures. Chest pain should never be dismissed as mere acidity, stress, or muscle strain without medical evaluation, as prompt assessment can prevent permanent heart damage.
Dr CM Nagesh, the founder of Cardea Super Speciality Hospital, echoed Harkin's advice, highlighting smoking as the strongest risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vaping, once thought to be a safer alternative, can also impair vascular function and increase heart disease risk. Regular consumption of processed meats and inadequate sleep are other significant concerns, as they contribute to high blood pressure, adverse cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, and other cardiovascular issues.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
