Cardiologist lists five habits to avoid for heart health

Cardiologist Dr Nicole Harkin lists five habits she avoids as a heart doctor: smoking/vaping, eating bacon, dismissing chest pain, ignoring family history of heart disease, and not prioritizing sleep.

Dr Harkin states that nearly all heart attacks in young women she has seen are in those who smoke or vape.

She warns against dismissing chest pain even if considered low risk, as many heart attacks occur in low-risk individuals who delay seeking care.

Regular consumption of processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meat increases heart disease risk in a linear fashion, says Dr Harkin.

Ignoring a strong family history of heart disease is also listed as a critical mistake that can increase risk.