Millions of Americans may be inadvertently endangering their hearts. Many people are ignorant about the major risk factors for heart disease, one of the top causes of mortality in the United States, according to a recent Cleveland Clinic poll.
The findings reveal that:
- 40% of Americans don’t know tobacco use harms heart health.
- 62% are unaware that air pollution is a serious cardiovascular risk.
- 90% don’t realize that certain vitamins and supplements can negatively impact the heart.
Dr. Ashish Sarraju of the Cleveland Clinic cautions against the widespread belief that over-the-counter supplements are safe, saying, “People consider them natural and safe, but research doesn’t always support that.”
Another important yet frequently disregarded factor? Lack of sleep. In her explanation of the cascading effects, Dr. Sarraju states that “poor sleep affects diet, exercise, and can even be linked to undiagnosed sleep apnea, which increases heart risk.”
Beyond genetics, several lifestyle factors contribute to heart disease, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Stress and alcohol consumption
Alarmingly, the survey also found that three in five Americans admit to skipping prescribed heart medications a habit that could lead to serious, long-term damage.
The future of America’s heart health looks concerning. A 2024 report by the American Heart Association projects that by 2050, over 61% of U.S. adults will have some form of cardiovascular disease. With hypertension rates skyrocketing, the need for awareness has never been more urgent.
Protecting your heart starts with knowledge. Avoid hidden dangers, follow medical advice, and take control of your health today.