23 Habits Women Do That Are Hurting Their Hearts

We often skip our heart’s health when we run through our self-care to-do list. We don’t physically see the status of our hearts, which is why it is easy to forget about it.

With that said, numerous studies have shown that there are certain habits that we do that hurts our hearts without even knowing it. Here are 23 of them

1. Holding On to Pent-Up Anger

Letting go of negative emotions can be very beneficial for your overall health.

Dr. Don Grant, a general practitioner with The Independent Pharmacy, explained:

“As our emotions rise, the physiological stress on our heart is exacerbated as our blood pressure increases, and our heart rate speeds up. As a consequence, we are at greater risk of suffering a cardiac event in the hours immediately after our anger spikes.”

2. Avoiding Social Situations

Strong relationships are an important key to a strong heart. A study revealed that those who have poor social relationships had a 29 percent increased risk of coronary disease.

3. Using Artificial Sweeteners

We are told time and time again that sugar substitutes can aid weight loss. However, a study revealed that they could actually do more harm than good. Ironically, they can even cause weight gain.

4. Drinking Too Much

Alcoholism doesn’t only affect your liver, but your heart as well as it can cause hypertension.

5. Yo-Yo Dieting

Yo-yo dieting is a big no-no. A study found that those who lost and gained weight within one year has some heart risk factors.

6. Living in a Noisy Area

Noise stresses a lot of people. And we all know that stress is a huge enemy of our hearts.

7. Not Getting Enough Sleep

“The importance of a good night’s sleep for heart health is critical,” says Dr. Stacey Rosen, a cardiologist and vice president of The Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health in New York.

8. Not Getting Good Enough Sleep

Sleeping is one thing, and getting a good enough sleep is another thing. If you only sleep to survive, it is pretty unhealthy. But if you get enough sleep, to recharge your body and overall wellbeing, your heart will thank you for that.

9. Eating Blackened Food

“Eating a diet high in inflammatory foods is a big risk factor. Fatty cuts of meat that are grilled until their charcoal increases [cardiovascular disease] risk,” says clinical nutritionist and fitness expert Ariane Hundt, MS.

10. Vaping

Many say vaping is a lot better than smoking. However, studies show that those who vape are more likely to suffer a heart attack than those who smoke tobacco products. However, this does not mean that smoking excessively is healthier.

11. Consuming Too Much Salt

Although it seems that eating a lot of salt is not a big deal, a shocking number of cardiovascular disease cases are attributed to high-sodium diets.

12. Not Exercising Enough

This one is a no-brainer. It is a given fact that exercise is good for you, including your heart.

13. Neglecting Chronic Stress

Unmanaged stress can lead to a deeper problem.

14. Sitting All Day

A study found that most desk-bound individuals had more risk of a heart complication compared to those who were not sitting all day.

15. Brushing Off Symptoms

“The overall worst thing a woman can do for her heart is underestimating the problem,” says Dr. Matthew Budoff, a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine and director of cardiac CT at the Division of Cardiology at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

16. Not Flossing

As it turns out, your oral health and heart health are inextricably linked.

17. Switching Jobs Like They’re Clothing

Going through a career change can be very traumatic. In fact, those who are deeply affected could possibly face cardiovascular issues, like heart attacks and strokes.

18. Eating Too Many Sugary Foods

If you care about your heart health, then put the donut down. Of course, you can eat sugary treats occasionally, but you can’t make it a part of your daily food intake.

19. Going Through Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process, but unfortunately, it does affect the heart negatively.

20. Sleeping Too Much

While is it highly suggested for everyone to get enough sleep, sleeping too much is not ideal. This habit could lead to cardiovascular disease.

21. Not Having Enough Sex

A study revealed that people who had sex once a month or less are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

22. Giving Birth

While giving birth is a magical thing for moms, it is actually not that great for her heart. The more she gives birth, the more she is risking herself to a heart attack.

23. Not Getting Outside Enough

Being outside can improve a person’s mental health and protect them against cardiovascular disease at the same time.