Risks for Heart Disease You Didn't Know You Had

There are many risk factors associated with coronary heart disease and stroke. The common risk factors for heart diseases are tobacco exposure, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, obesity and physical inactivity. Besides, there are lesser-known heart hazards that you need to be wary of. (Image source:Getty)

Switching to no-calorie alternatives such as diet sodas isn’t as healthy choice as you think it to be. A study at the American College of Cardiology found that consumption of at least two diet sodas per week were 30 percent more likely to suffer heart problems than those who rarely consumed them. (Image source:Getty)

Anti-inflammatory drugs can make the blood more prone to clotting, which ups the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Similarly, antidepressants too can be a heart hazard. (Image source:Getty)

There is no denying to the fact that exercise keeps heart healthy, but high-intensity activities can lead to heart issues such as heart enlargement and cardiac arrhythmias owing to strenuous exertion. (Image source:Getty)

Prolonged sitting (over nine hours per day, on average) poses risk of heart diseases, even to those who work out. Inactivity thickens the blood and predisposes one to blood clots. If your work requires you to sit for long hours, make a habit of taking walk breaks every two hours. (Image source:Getty)

On the similar lines of prolonged sitting, television can take a toll on your heart. Watching TV two hours per day or more induces a chronic adrenalized state and is also associated with sleep deprivation and impulsive snacking. All these factors combine to up your risk for fatal or non-fatal heart diseases. (Image source:Getty)

A study at the Umeå University of Sweden found a correlation between commuting and heart diseases. According to the study, those who traverse more than 30 miles daily are more prone to stress, high blood pressure and heart disease. (Image source:Getty)

Snoring is a habit that can affect your well-being. Excessive snoring may suggest that you have sleep apnoea. Snoring can raise blood pressure and damage heart muscles. (Image source:Getty)

High blood pressure is often linked with heart disease, but low blood pressure also puts you at the risk of heart problems. Low blood pressure condition can starve the heart of its blood supply and lead to heart problems. Those who are prescribed blood pressure meds are more likely to be troubled with heart problems. (Image source:Getty)

Excess of iron in the body can damage your organs, including the pancreas, liver, brain and heart. Don't take iron supplements unless you've had your iron levels evaluated. (Image source:Getty)

You should go by the old adage, ‘Early to bed and early to rise’ to keep your heart healthy. Pulling all-nighters changes the circadian rhythms and can harm your health and heart. (Image source:Getty)