4 Surprising Things That Can Affect Your Heart Health

1. Loneliness and social Isolation

Feeling lonely isn’t just emotionally difficult—it can harm your heart. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 29% increase in the risk of heart attack and a 32% increased risk of stroke. Even more concerning, people with heart disease who were socially isolated had a two- to three-fold increase in death during a six-year follow-up study.

The connection between loneliness and heart health is surprisingly powerful. According to  the American Heart Association, the health effects of social isolation are comparable to other well-known risk factors. Whether you live alone or simply feel disconnected from others, these feelings can trigger inflammation and stress responses that damage your cardiovascular system over time.

2. Your dental health

Your mouth and your heart are more connected than you might think. Recent research indicates that gum disease may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

The connection likely involves chronic inflammation. When you have periodontal disease, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream, and could trigger inflammation in your blood vessels. People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event as those who do not.

3. How much you sleep

In our busy lives, sleep often gets pushed to the bottom of our priority list. But skimping on sleep can seriously harm your heart. Research shows that sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and the effects can be significant.

Short sleep duration was associated with a 45% increased risk of coronary heart disease. The problem isn’t just about quantity—quality matters too. Poor sleep can elevate stress hormones, increase inflammation, raise blood pressure, and disrupt your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.

4. Traffic noise pollution

Living in a noisy neighborhood might be more than just annoying. It could also be hurting your heart. Multiple studies have found that chronic exposure to traffic noise from cars, planes, and trains is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. According to the magazine Circulation Research, transportation noise increases the risk for cardiovascular illness and death. It can also cause ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.

How does noise harm your heart? Traffic noise, especially at night, disrupts sleep, raises stress hormones, and triggers inflammation in your blood vessels. Studies using brain imaging have shown that higher levels of noise exposure were associated with increased activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain involved in processing stress, anxiety, and fear.

While we should continue focusing on traditional heart health factors like diet, exercise, and not smoking, it’s clear that our cardiovascular health is influenced by many aspects of our lives. This American Heart Month, take a holistic approach to protecting your heart by:

• Nurturing your social connections.
• Taking care of your dental health.
• Prioritizing quality sleep.
• Being mindful of noise pollution in your environment.

Small changes in these areas can add up to big benefits for your heart health. As always, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and the best ways to keep your heart healthy for years to come.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult your physician with any questions about your cardiovascular health.