It’s no surprise that heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that just under 650,000 people in this country die from heart disease annually. 

Besides the usual ways to stay heart-healthy – eating right, exercising, keeping your weight under control, etc. – there are some unusual factors that can cause problems. 

Steuben Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is sharing five of these factors that you probably didn’t realize can affect your heart health. 

Sitting All Day

If you find yourself behind a desk and sitting for most of the day, find a way to take regular walking breaks. A 2012 study found that having a sedentary job increased a person’s risk for heart disease by nearly 150 percent.

Having a Difficult Boss

A bad boss dynamic could leave you feeling stressed not only at your work, but when you get home too if you’re unable to decompress. It could also affect your sleep if you’re dreading going into the office the next day. All of that stress is not good for the heart.

Sleeping Too Much

Most of us can’t find ways to get the recommended amount of sleep, but there is such a thing as getting too much sleep. A 2018 study showed that getting nine hours of sleep a night moderately increased the risk of heart disease while getting 11 hours of sleep daily has the risk increase by 44 percent.

Giving Birth

Childbirth is a stressful event for the body. A 2018 study revealed that the more times a woman gives birth, the greater the risk of developing heart disease down the road.

Staying Indoors

Not only is getting fresh air good for your mental health, but it can also be good for your heart health as well. A 2015 study showed that greater exposure to nature had a lower risk of several factors that can contribute to heart disease.

To learn more about Steuben Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/steuben_center/.