Heart disease is often associated with high cholesterol, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, leading cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov emphasizes that the true causes are far more intricate. Drawing on years of experience treating thousands of patients, he points out that subtle lifestyle factors silently compromise heart health, often without noticeable symptoms. According to Dr. Yaranov, lack of sleep, chronic stress, pollution exposure, gum disease, gut imbalances, and excessive sugar intake all play significant roles in increasing cardiovascular risk.
Quality sleep is crucial—getting less than seven hours nightly can heighten the risk of heart failure, strokes, and sudden cardiac events. Daily exposure to pollutants accelerates arterial hardening, restricting blood flow and raising blood pressure. Chronic stress keeps cortisol and adrenaline elevated, promoting inflammation and plaque buildup. Poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, damaging vessels, while disrupted gut health impairs cholesterol control and immune function. Excess sugar fuels inflammation and elevates heart disease risk.
Dr. Yaranov stresses that protecting the heart requires more than exercise and a balanced diet. Key strategies include prioritizing sleep, managing stress, maintaining oral hygiene, eating fresh nutrient-rich foods, supporting gut health, and reducing added sugars. Heart health depends on addressing these hidden threats to build a strong foundation for long-term cardiovascular well-being.
