Doctor reveals the most essential things everyone should be doing to avoid an early death
It's difficult to know where to look these days when it comes to health advice, considering the amount of self-professed experts we see on the internet.
When it comes to looking after your body, it's best to listen to a doctor's opinion, rather than the bloke on TikTok telling you that eating nothing but meat, or testicles in the case of the Liver King's wife, is the best thing for you.
But there are many things we need to actively avoid, or take part in, if we are going to keep our body's healthy, as even eating clean and exercising might not be enough, if you spend time vaping or doing drugs.
One man who definitely knows what he's talking about is Memphis-based medic Dr Dmitry Yaranov, as he has years of experience as a cardiologist.
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In a viral Instagram video, he shared the six things that he wishes people would know to keep their hearts happy, having looked after thousands of people struggling with their cardiovascular health.
In the video, he said: "After treating thousands of patients with heart failure, these are the things I wish more people knew before it was too late.
"Here's what's actually affecting your heart—and nobody's talking about it."
"Cardiovascular health isn't just about exercise and salads," the expert added.
In the caption, he shared six different things that can impact the health of your heart.
Sleep
He wrote: "Sleeping six hours a night and calling it 'the grind'? Chronic sleep loss raises risk of heart failure, stroke, and sudden death."
Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher blood pressure and inflammation due to more production of the stress hormone cortisol.
It can also affect our appetite, leading to weight gain which can also put extra pressure on your heart.
Air pollution
Dr Yaranov said: "Breathing in exhaust every day on your commute? Air pollution literally hardens your arteries."
A 2016 study found that living in polluted areas can lead to more build up of plaque in your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.
Ultimately, this increases your risk of a heart attack.
Stress
Dr Yaranov said: "Always stressed and just 'pushing through'? Cortisol overload leads to high blood pressure and inflammation."
A 2021 study from the British Heart Foundation found that people with higher levels of stress hormones in their urine were more likely to develop high blood pressure over the next six to seven years.
This was linked to a greater risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Teeth
Dr Yaranov said: "Haven’t seen a dentist in years? Gum disease = more inflammation = higher risk of heart attack."
One study found that people with higher levels of P gingivalis in their mouths were more likely to suffer from damage to their heart and fatty build up in their coronary arteries.
Food deserts
Dr Yaranov said: "Trying to eat healthy but live in a food desert? Lack of access = worse cardiac outcomes, no matter your willpower."
A food desert is a low income community with poor access to healthy food options.
This has been found to increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
Gut
"Ignoring your gut health? Your microbiome helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. Feed it right."
Studies have found that negative changes to the bacteria in your gut can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
John Hopkins advises to eat lots of fibre, make sure you're washing your hands properly and consider eating more probiotic foods like yogurt, miso, and sauerkraut.
James Moorhouse