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The 12 most unexpected factors affecting heart function
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
The most common diseases that lead to death are problems with the cardiovascular system. It is believed that the most common factors that can cause these diseases are alcohol abuse, smoking and lack of physical activity. However, scientists claim that there are a number of factors that also negatively affect human health and can cause the development of heart disease.
Oddly enough, the area you live in can have a negative impact on your health, particularly on your heart. People who live in unfavorable areas have a 10% higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases than those who live in more favorable conditions. In addition, an important condition for healthy heart function is the relationship with your neighbors. If you are in conflict with them or are constantly unhappy with the noise coming from their apartment, this will not add to your health.
- Antibiotics
Most antibiotics have a negative impact on the heart. An example of this is azithromycin, a drug that harms the human cardiovascular system. Scientists discovered this effect during studies dating back to 2012. It turns out that even short-term use of the drug can cause obvious harm to the heart.
Many patients take calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen bone tissue in general, but there is both a positive and a negative effect, which is associated with the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Doctors advise paying more attention to your diet, rather than swallowing pills. And the highest content of this macronutrient is in such products as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, dried fruits, dairy products.
- Infectious diseases
The highest risk of heart attack is observed in older people during infectious diseases. The threat increases fivefold, so in the midst of flu epidemics, older people should take care of their health.
There is an opinion that psoriasis is a disease of the skin only. But this is not true. The condition of our skin is a mirror image of the condition of our internal organs, and especially heart disease. Doctors associate psoriasis with a number of ailments: cerebrovascular disease, ischemia and peripheral arterial disease. This is an independent risk factor that can lead to chronic inflammation and cause a heart attack.
- Problems in family relationships
Misunderstandings, frequent quarrels and conflicts with family and friends increase the risk of developing heart disease by 34%. Experts recommend finding solutions in such situations and treating each other with care, without hurting feelings and without undermining the health of yourself and your loved ones.
- Low cholesterol
Studies of nearly seven thousand people suggest that low LDL cholesterol levels may be a direct indicator of cardiovascular problems.
- Kidney problems
A study of elderly patients at a clinic in Rotterdam suggests that having kidney problems, even minor ones, can increase the risk of developing heart disease. And a study of 10,000 men diagnosed with chronic kidney failure found that such patients are at increased risk.
The daily commute to work in a big city, which a person is forced to make while standing in traffic jams or crowded in public transport, is also not good for health, but only doubles the risk of heart attacks.
Depression is considered a dangerous factor influencing the development of cardiac disease. During the research, British specialists found that those women who do not cope well with their emotional state are at risk, and frequent depression increases the risk of developing cardiac disease by two times.
- Terrible boss
About half of people who have had a heart attack blame their bosses, whose inappropriate behavior is the cause of their health problems.
Inflammation of the gums is no less dangerous a factor that can provoke disturbances in the work of the heart. The reason for this is bacteria that cause chronic inflammation in the blood vessels.
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