Heart disease is often blamed on cholesterol or lack of exercise, but a cardiologist says the real story is much deeper. Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a heart specialist who has treated thousands of patients, shared on Instagram that several overlooked lifestyle factors silently weaken the heart over time. His message is simple yet urgent: heart health is about more than diet and workouts.
Sleepless Nights Raise the Risk
According to Dr. Yaranov, skimping on sleep can be deadly. Getting only six hours a night and calling it “the grind” may seem harmless, but chronic sleep loss increases the chances of heart failure, stroke, and even sudden death. Quality rest, he notes, is a cornerstone of cardiovascular protection.
Pollution Hardens Arteries
Daily exposure to exhaust fumes on commutes is not just an environmental issue. “Air pollution literally hardens your arteries,” Dr. Yaranov explained. This chronic exposure accelerates damage within blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events.
Stress as a Silent Killer
Many people push through stress without realizing the toll it takes. Prolonged cortisol overload leads to high blood pressure and inflammation, creating the perfect storm for heart disease. Dr. Yaranov urges people to prioritize stress management alongside physical fitness.
Gum Health Matters
It may come as a surprise, but neglecting dental checkups could damage the heart. Gum disease fuels systemic inflammation, which in turn raises the risk of heart attack. Maintaining oral health, the cardiologist warns, is part of protecting cardiac health.
Food Deserts and Unfair Outcomes
Even those who try to eat healthy may be disadvantaged. People living in food deserts, with little access to fresh produce, face worse cardiac outcomes despite their willpower. Dr. Yaranov points out that access is as important as choice when it comes to long-term heart health.
Gut Health and the Heart
Gut bacteria do more than help digestion. A healthy microbiome regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Ignoring gut health, according to Dr. Yaranov, weakens the body’s natural defense system and increases cardiac risks.
Beyond Cholesterol
Dr. Yaranov has previously warned that sugar, not just cholesterol, is a major driver of heart disease. In a report highlighted by JAMA Internal Medicine, high sugar intake was linked to a 17 percent higher risk of heart disease and over one million new heart cases globally each year. “It fuels inflammation, raises blood pressure, and disrupts glucose control,” he explained, noting that many people consume two to three times the recommended daily sugar intake.
Dr. Yaranov’s message reframes how we think about heart disease: exercise and salads are not enough. Protecting the heart means fixing the foundation — better sleep, cleaner air, stress management, oral care, access to healthy foods, gut health, and cutting back on hidden sugars. “Check your labels. Limit it. Protect your heart,” he urged.
Sleepless Nights Raise the Risk
According to Dr. Yaranov, skimping on sleep can be deadly. Getting only six hours a night and calling it “the grind” may seem harmless, but chronic sleep loss increases the chances of heart failure, stroke, and even sudden death. Quality rest, he notes, is a cornerstone of cardiovascular protection.
Pollution Hardens Arteries
Daily exposure to exhaust fumes on commutes is not just an environmental issue. “Air pollution literally hardens your arteries,” Dr. Yaranov explained. This chronic exposure accelerates damage within blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular events.
Stress as a Silent Killer
Many people push through stress without realizing the toll it takes. Prolonged cortisol overload leads to high blood pressure and inflammation, creating the perfect storm for heart disease. Dr. Yaranov urges people to prioritize stress management alongside physical fitness.
Gum Health Matters
It may come as a surprise, but neglecting dental checkups could damage the heart. Gum disease fuels systemic inflammation, which in turn raises the risk of heart attack. Maintaining oral health, the cardiologist warns, is part of protecting cardiac health.
Food Deserts and Unfair Outcomes
Even those who try to eat healthy may be disadvantaged. People living in food deserts, with little access to fresh produce, face worse cardiac outcomes despite their willpower. Dr. Yaranov points out that access is as important as choice when it comes to long-term heart health.
Gut Health and the Heart
Gut bacteria do more than help digestion. A healthy microbiome regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Ignoring gut health, according to Dr. Yaranov, weakens the body’s natural defense system and increases cardiac risks.
Beyond Cholesterol
Dr. Yaranov has previously warned that sugar, not just cholesterol, is a major driver of heart disease. In a report highlighted by JAMA Internal Medicine, high sugar intake was linked to a 17 percent higher risk of heart disease and over one million new heart cases globally each year. “It fuels inflammation, raises blood pressure, and disrupts glucose control,” he explained, noting that many people consume two to three times the recommended daily sugar intake.
Dr. Yaranov’s message reframes how we think about heart disease: exercise and salads are not enough. Protecting the heart means fixing the foundation — better sleep, cleaner air, stress management, oral care, access to healthy foods, gut health, and cutting back on hidden sugars. “Check your labels. Limit it. Protect your heart,” he urged.
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