James Scotney, Town and Country Law: Everyday Habits That Can Harm Heart Health

Led by James Scotney, Town and Country Law offers a comprehensive selection of estate planning services, with its trusted and fully insured team providing practical, no-nonsense advice to help clients plan responsibly for the future and safeguard their legacy for the intended beneficiaries. This article will look at heart health, providing an overview of damaging behaviours and identifying measures everyone can take to lower their risk of developing heart disease.

Many people are unwittingly harming their heart health through everyday habits, Dr Christopher Broyd of Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital suggests. Ahead of Heart Awareness Month, the leading cardiologist highlighted five behaviours that damage heart health in an interview with the Independent.

One factor that can increase an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease is a lack of physical activity, Dr Broyd suggests. Living a sedentary lifestyle often leads to weight gain, increased blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. It is therefore important to exercise regularly to maintain optimum heart health. Rather than spending hours at the gym, this can be achieved through simple exercises like walking, running or cycling. Even short bursts of energy add up over time, gradually increasing stamina and improving overall heart health.

A growing body of research reveals the potentially catastrophic impact of chronic stress on the body, with work pressures and family issues in some cases translating to heart issues. Prolonged stress has a direct impact on heart health by raising blood pressure, in the process increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Stress also encourages unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake and overeating. Fortunately, regular physical activity can help with this too, particularly when paired with mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and meditation, calming the mind and diminishing stress levels.

Another factor that can impact heart health is lack of sleep. As Dr Broyd points out, poor-sleep quality can increase blood pressure, contributing to obesity and disrupting the body’s natural repair processes. It is therefore crucial to prioritise sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to help regulate the body’s internal clock. Engaging in calming activities like reading before bedtime and avoiding stimulating substances can also help to stave off insomnia.  It is sensible to avoid stimulants like caffeine in the late afternoon or evening, as these can interfere with sleep patterns.

Dr Broyd suggests that loneliness and social isolation can also increase the risk of heart problems, explaining that studies show loneliness can trigger stress, raising blood pressure and negatively affecting immune function. He recommends that those feeling lonely reach out to friends and family or consider joining a new club, pointing out that while social isolation takes time and effort, making intentional efforts to connect with others enhances an individual’s social support network and overall wellbeing, ultimately improving their heart health.
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