4 Weird Ways Your Heart Health Is Affected

Posted on: 13 January 2015

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The heart is a very important organ of the body. It is what keeps us alive and going. Did you know that the heart pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood and beats roughly 100,000 times each day? If you sit down and think about it, it's easy to see why you need to take such good care of the heart. However, there may be a few things that you can do to help reduce your risk of heart disease in the future and to maintain a healthy heart. Here are a few:

1. Certain Infections May Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack

Most people will go to the doctor as soon a they feel ill. If they are diagnosed with respiratory tract infection, they are provided with antibiotics and any other prescription medicine that the doctor feels is necessary. It is very important that the next few days after your doctor's visit include rest. The reason for this is because the infection can cause significant inflammation in the areas around your heart, which will increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. In fact, you are five times more likely to suffer a heart-related condition during this time.

2. Owning a Cat Helps Relieve Stress on the Heart

Life is full of ups and downs, which can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. However, research suggests that owning a cat may help relieve some of that stress, which also helps to keep stress off of the heart. This means that your heart can stay healthier longer. A 10-year study that was conducted with over 4,000 individuals showed that cat owners noticed a 30 percent reduction in their risk of heart attack and stroke when compared to individuals who did not own a cat.

3. An Orgasm a Week May Keep the Heart Doctor Away

If you try to maintain good heart health, then it's likely that you exercise and eat well. However, are you ensuring that you are exercising in the bedroom? If not, you need to be. Research suggests that just one orgasm each week can significantly reduce your risk of having a heart attack. In fact, it can do so by 36 percent!

4. Supplemental Multi-Vitamins May Be Hurting You Instead of Helping

Most people think that vitamins are good for them. However, research suggests otherwise. University of Minnesota researchers determined that women were more likely to die when they took multi-vitamin supplements. Cleveland Clinic researchers have found that men are more at risk for prostate cancer if they consume vitamin E supplements. All in all, vitamin consumption has been linked to shorter lives, higher risk of cancer and increase likelihood of heart disease.

As you can see, there are a lot of risks out there for your heart. Luckily, there are things that you can avoid in order to help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. It is also important to visit your physician regularly and a cardiologist, such as ICE, Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, when needed. If you feel like you are having heart problems or would like to be thoroughly checked for your potential risk of developing heart disease, consult with a local cardiologist.